Let's have a fire safe holiday season Published Dec. 17, 2008 By Michael Joseph, Asst. Chief of Fire Prevention SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- As the holiday season approaches, we are all looking forward to special gatherings and celebrations with friends and loved ones. Many children will be bubbling with excitement as they anticipate the great and wondrous events that this holiday season will hold. We will decorate our homes in our own special way to make the holiday a memorable event. Holiday decoration can be a joyful but also dangerous if improperly used, especially for children. Every year thousands of needless injuries and deaths are caused by holiday decorations. A little caution and planning while decorating will help you and your families avoid tragedy during the upcoming holiday season. Each year, hospital emergency rooms treat many people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks (related to holiday lights) decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in more than 400 fires annually, resulting in deaths, injuries and a millions of dollars in property loss and damage. To help ensure a fire safe holiday season for everyone, here are several basic fire safety guidelines to be observed. TREES When purchasing a live Christmas tree ensure that it is kept moist to prevent a very serious fire hazard. A dried out Christmas tree can be consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds. Take special precautions when buying your Christmas tree. Trees with brown shedding needles should be rejected. When you bring a tree home, cut about an inch off the end of the trunk. This will remove the dried end and allow the tree to absorb water. Be careful not to block exit paths and doorways with the tree. Decorative lights should always be turned off when leaving the home, or when everyone goes to bed. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant". Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly. CANDLES Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the season. But they are still a direct source of fire in your home. Keep candles a safe distance from other decorations. Remember that a flickering flame is a thing of fascination to little children. Keep candles out of their reach. Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders. Place candles where they can not be turned over. HOLIDAY PLANTS Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to a small child and the smaller the child the smaller the dose that can cause serious medical problems. Poinsettia leaves are not fatal if swallowed, but can cause a skin rash and an upset stomach. Call 911 if your child ingests any of these holiday plants. HOLIDAY LIGHTS Use only UL approved lighting. Inspect lights for broken or cracked sockets and frayed wires. Do not overload extension cords or outlets. Do not use indoor lights outside or visa-versa. COOKING There will be festive parades and holiday specials on television; do not let this take you away from the kitchen. Unattended cooking is a HO HO, NO NO. Ensure that your fire extinguisher is in working condition. Residential fires during the holiday season are especially tragic. Celebration and joy can quickly turn to sorrow and anguish because some basic fire guidelines were neglected. "It can happen to you," so be careful and have a safe and care-free holiday season. In case of a fire or an emergency on Seymour Johnson AFB, dial 911, or, if on a cell phone, call 722-0911. After the holiday season comes to an end, you may place your live tree to the curb; it will be picked up during garbage pick up. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Fire Prevention Office at 722-3836/7/8. Happy holidays to you and yours.