Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
The holiday season is always a time for joy, warmth, and cherished traditions.
For many of us in Three Forks, this includes decorating Christmas trees, making a fire in the wood stove, or using space heaters to keep our homes cozy. While these bring warmth and comfort, they also introduce potential fire hazards.
We want to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and happy holiday season by sharing some essential safety tips.
As temperatures drop, space heaters often become a staple in our homes. However, they must be used carefully to avoid accidents. Space heaters should always be placed on a flat, stable surface and positioned well away from anything flammable-like curtains, furniture, or your Christmas tree. When plugging in a space heater, ensure it is connected directly to a wall outlet rather than an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat.
Many modern space heaters have safety features like automatic shutoffs if they tip over or overheat. Consider investing in one with these if you don't already have one. Most importantly, never leave a space heater running unattended, and always turn it off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Also, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of holiday celebrations, but it can become a fire hazard if not handled with care. For those with real trees, choosing a fresh one is crucial -- needles should be green and not brittle to the touch. Once your tree is set up, keeping it hydrated is key. Dry trees can catch fire in seconds, so refill the water stand daily to reduce this risk.
Where you place your tree also matters. Keep it at least five feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and other heat sources. When decorating, inspect your lights to ensure they're in good condition and certified for indoor use. Turn off tree lights whenever you leave the house or go to bed to minimize electrical risks.
Candles are another common fire hazard we see during the holidays. Consider swapping traditional candles for LED versions that provide a flickering glow without the danger of an open flame. This is especially important if you have pets or young children in your home.
Before the holidays, take a moment to test your smoke alarms and replace any dead batteries. Having a fire extinguisher handy-and knowing how to use it-can make all the difference in an emergency.
