Hurlburt Fire Dept. offers holiday safety tips Published Dec. 19, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Andrea Posey 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- With the holidays quick approaching, many homes have a log on the fire, a trimmed tree with lights or a menorah glowing brightly. All these signs of the season bring feelings of comfort and joy to families; however they also bring an increased risk of fire in the home. The winter months are peak times for home candle and heating fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Almost half of all home decoration fires are started by candles, while 38% of home heating fires begin in fireplaces or chimneys. "As I see families drive by with untrimmed Christmas trees strapped to their car roofs, I am filled with holiday cheer. But, as a member of the fire service, I also worry," said Fred Richards, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron fire inspector. "A decorated tree in the home is a beautiful sight, but it is also a very real holiday hazard.” The Hurlburt Fire Department's holiday wish is for residents to have a merry, bright and safe holiday season. By recognizing holiday fire hazards and using a little extra caution, Airmen can keep their homes full of comfort and joy. When decking the halls this season, be cautious in choosing lights and how you decorate with them. • Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations and keep them away from candles or any other heat source. • Be sure that you know whether your decorations are for indoor or outdoor use. • Replace any string of lights that are worn, or have broken cords or loose bulb connections. • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. Tree decorating can be a fun family activity, but Airmen should be cautious about what they use to decorate a tree and the maintenance the tree may require. • The tree should be at least three feet away from any heat source and not block an exit. • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. • Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of LED strands to connect. • Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. • Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. It should not be left in the home, garage or leaned against the home. “Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source,” said Staff Sgt. Carlos Carvajal, 1st SOCES fire prevention inspector. “By following these fire prevention tips, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your home and enjoy a safe holiday season.” Lighting candles, whether for decorating or religious purposes, should always be done with caution. • Candles should be in a sturdy holder and placed on an uncluttered surface. • Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire. • Never leave a lit candle unattended. • Candles placed on or near tables, altars or shrines must be monitored by an adult. Lastly, roasting anything on an open fire in the fireplace is not a good idea. • Ensure fireplaces have sturdy screens and keep kids three feet away. • Chimneys should be cleaned regularly. Dispose of ashes in a metal container far away from the home. By following these fire prevention tips, Air Commandos and their families can enjoy a safe holiday season and greatly reduce the risk of fire at home, helping the Hurlburt Fire Department's holiday wish come true.