According to Owensboro Fire Department Chief Steven Mitchell, the 30 or more days between Thanksgiving and Christmas see more fires nationwide — 90 percent of which Mitchell says can be prevented.
“Fire is bad anytime, but this time of year just makes it that much worse,” Mitchell said of the potential to lose a home to fire during the holiday season.
In 2015, OFD responded to 26 fires between Thanksgiving and Christmas; 25 in 2016; and 27 in last year.
“We have already responded to a holiday lighting related fire this year,” Mitchell said.
In fact, OFD has responded to nine residential structure fires since Nov. 18, five of which were cooking related.
“In the last 10 years, we’ve had the full gambit [of causes],” Mitchell said.
The following are holiday related safety tips from both Mitchell and Sonya Dixon, communications and public relations manager for Owensboro Municipal Utilities.
Electric space heaters
If space heaters are older, the cord is frayed or have a short, Dixon says to not use them. Mitchell adds that space heaters should have tip-over protection and a UL listing. (UL is a global independent safety science company.)
Never plug space heaters into an extension cord, only directly into the wall. “You run this risk of overheating with an extension cord,” Dixon said.
According to Mitchell, space heaters need space. Make sure nothing is touching the heater, especially with extra Christmas decorations around this time of year.
Never leave the room or house with a space heater on and unplug them when not in use.
NOTE: “A lot of people use space heaters to reduce their heating bill,” Dixon said. “That’s just not true.” Dixon said space heaters could potentially cost more than running your furnace in the winter depending on the size of the heater and the time it was used.
Indoor Christmas lights
If a part of a strand is out or requires wiggling to make it work, throw them out. “Christmas lights are fairly inexpensive,” Dixon said. “It’s not worth the risk.”
No more than three strands plugged in end to end, Dixon said.
Do not leave the house or go to bed with the lights on.
Don’t cover a cord with a tree skirt or Christmas presents.
NOTE: Dixon warns those that have a live tree to be extra cautious. Mitchell says to be sure to water a live Christmas tree every day. When needles begin to fall off in great quantity, it’s time to get rid of the tree, Mitchell says.
Outdoor Christmas lights
Be sure to use lights that are designated for outdoor use.
Be aware of services lines when hanging outdoor lights, especially when using a metal ladder.
Don’t overload with lights — no more than three strands plugged in end to end.
Do not leave outdoor lights on when not at home.
