4th CES encourages safety during holiday season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aubrey White
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  With the winter season in our midst, fires caused by holiday decorations and heat become more prevalent.

Members of the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron encourage Team Seymour to follow their advice for a safe holiday season.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, Christmas tree fires are not common, from 2005 to 2009, U.S. fire departments responded to roughly 240 fires during the holiday season and one out of every 18 fires resulted in a death. Approximately 20 percent of these fires were caused by a heating source; one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months.

Since the risk of fire is greater with live trees, the fire prevention office suggests purchasing flame-retardant artificial trees.

While decorating indoors, also consider the following:

· Placing trees away from heat sources and exits

· Watering live trees regularly

· Ensuring cords are not frayed or damaged

· Never using candles near flammable items to include as trees, wreaths, drapes and
furniture

· For homes with small children, make certain trimmings with small parts or resemble candy are kept out their reach

· Unplugging tree lights and lighted decorations prior to leaving the house or going to bed

Fires caused by decorations are only one of several risks associated with the holiday season.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 injuries, including falls, shocks and cuts, related to holiday lights, decorations and trees.

When decorating the exterior of a house on base, personnel must abide by the following:

· Use only plastic hooks to hang exterior lights and decorations

· Do not place or attach décor to the roof

· Ensure lights and extension cords are certified for outdoor use

· Remove all exterior decorations prior to Jan. 7

The 4th CES fire department will host a live Christmas tree fire demonstration on Dec. 5 in the Exchange parking lot.

For more information about holiday décor safety, contact the base fire prevention office at 919-722-3838.

(Editor's note: Donald Abrams, 4th CES installation management flight chief, and Senior Airman Daniel Gough, 4th CES fire inspector, contributed to this article.)