Winter Holiday Fire Safety Advice
As Christmas approaches, The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, including Fire Chief Jonathan T. Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department, are taking proactive steps to promote fire safety awareness within the community. The holiday season, filled with festive decorations, candles, and cooking, presents unique fire risks that require special attention.
To enhance safety measures, The Lakewood Fire Department is launching a Winter Holiday Fire Safety Campaign aimed at educating residents about potential hazards and providing practical tips to reduce the risk of fires. The campaign emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant during the holidays and adopting safe practices to protect homes and loved ones.
Ensure working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in your home, with alarms outside each sleeping area and on every floor.
Key fire safety tips for the winter holidays include:
1. Mindful Decorations: When decorating for the holidays, be cautious with flammable materials. Keep decorations away from heat sources and never leave lit candles unattended.
2. Safe Candle Usage: Opt for flameless candles or ensure traditional candles are placed in stable holders away from combustible items. Remember to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
3. Proper Tree Care: If using a live Christmas tree, keep it well-watered to prevent it from becoming dry and more susceptible to ignition. Artificial trees should be labeled as flame-resistant.
4. Kitchen Safety: Cooking is a common holiday tradition, so exercise caution in the kitchen. Never leave cooking unattended, keep flammable items away from the stove, and ensure all appliances are in good working condition.
5. Heating Safety: If using space heaters or other heating devices, maintain a safe distance from combustible materials, and turn them off before leaving the room or going to sleep.
6. Emergency Response: NEVER hesitate to call the fire department (911) for any suspicion of danger.
7. Close before you Doze: Close bedroom doors before you go to sleep. This can provide a significant delay in fire spread and has been proven to save lives each and every year.
Visit https://fsri.org/programs/close-before-you-doze for more information on the Fire Safety Campaign.
The Lakewood Fire Department encourages everyone to take these precautions seriously and share them with friends and family. Ensure a joyous and accident-free winter holiday season by fostering a culture of safety.
For more information and additional fire safety resources, visit www.lakewoodfd.org or contact the Lakewood Fire Department at (732) 364-5151.