JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – From festive Christmas trees to cozy space heaters, common holiday fixtures can quickly become fire hazards if proper precautions aren’t taken, Jacksonville fire officials warned.
“During the holiday, I would be thinking about the Christmas tree lighting,” said Chief Damien Bell, Deputy Fire Marshall for the City of Jacksonville. He emphasized the importance of following manufacturer guidelines when connecting holiday lights and unplugging them when leaving home.
For households with live Christmas trees, daily watering is essential to prevent fire risks. Bell also cautioned about the dangers of space heaters during cold winter nights.
“With space heaters, it’s about not having combustibles within three feet of it. And make sure you are not going to sleep with it,” Bell says. He advises against using old space heaters, particularly those with worn wiring.
Kitchen Safety Critical During Holidays
Holiday cooking requires constant vigilance, according to fire officials. “Make sure that you are monitoring all cooking,” Bell emphasizes. He warns against leaving the kitchen while cooking, even for quick tasks like grocery runs, naps, or showers.
For those planning to fry turkeys, Bell recommends maintaining at least 10 feet of distance from any structures.
Smoke Detector Maintenance
Fire officials stress the importance of functioning smoke detectors, especially during the holiday season. Different types require different maintenance:
- Battery-operated detectors need battery changes twice yearly
- Hardwired detectors with lithium batteries last 10 years
- Detectors with 9-volt or AA batteries should be checked regularly
- Replace any detector that has turned yellow, indicating it’s over 10 years old
Candle Safety
Fire officials remind residents to never leave lit candles unattended and to extinguish them before going to bed.
These precautions become particularly crucial during the holiday season when homes are filled with additional decorations and families are cooking more frequently.