Holiday fire safety tips for families

  • Published
  • By Hans Christian
  • 1st SOCES fire department
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  The Hurlburt Field Fire Emergency Services cares about every member of our Air Force community, so during the holiday season, we would like to share some simple safety rules.

When setting up your tree, follow these rules: Never use candles to decorate a tree, water cut trees daily and never place trees near a heating source. Look for a fire resistant label on artificial trees; they may still catch fire, but they will resist burning and are easier to extinguish. Never use electric lights on metallic trees and always use a non-tip stand.

When setting up your outside and inside lights, follow these rules: Never use an indoor extension cord outside. Use only Underwriters Laboratory approved cords.

Check your cords 20-30 minutes after setup, if the cord is warm to the touch, reduce the power load.

Do not use indoor lights outside and check all lights for broken sockets.

When installing lights, use insulated staples or pre-installed hooks and make sure you install all lights while turned off. To prevent overloading, use no more than three strands of lights together. Make sure you turn off all lights before leaving home or work and before going to bed.

Finally, we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. For more information, call the fire prevention office at 884-2910 or 884-2930.