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Key Points
- The article emphasizes the importance of fire safety during the Fall season, particularly around activities like bonfires, jack-o-lanterns, holiday decorations, and fireplaces.
- For bonfire safety, the article suggests choosing a safe location away from flammable structures, building a properly sized and contained fire pit, and having a water supply or fire extinguisher nearby.
- When it comes to jack-o-lanterns, the article advises against children playing near them when they are lit and suggests using flameless candles as a safer alternative.
- The article also cautions about the potential fire hazards of holiday decorations, especially when lights are hung near flammable materials or are not properly checked for faulty wiring.
- Lastly, the article highlights the importance of regular fireplace maintenance to prevent house fires and recommends keeping a fire extinguisher nearby.
The crisp days of Fall means it is time for bonfires outside and warming toes by the fireplace inside. It is also time for jack-o-lanterns to glow with candles. Fall is also the time of year when fire safety should be forefront in our minds.
Bonfire Safety
After a night of trick or treating, and visiting a few "haunted" houses, many gather for community bonfires to sip cider and engage in conversation or to cook marshmallows on a stick. Life123.com offers some good tips on bonfire safety:
- Choose a smart location: Pick a space that is at least 25 feet away from any structure or vehicle, trees, bushes, or brush. Look around and ask yourself if you see things in the area that could easily catch fire and if you find some, pick another location.
- Fire pit building: Make sure the circumference of the fire pit is at least two-feet wider than the fire will be. In addition, the pit for the fire should be dug 18-inches deep. Next, use rocks or gravel and place them on the perimeter of the fire pit. Finally, your bonfire doesn't have to reach to the sky, so only use a minimal amount of wood and replenish as needed.
- Use common sense: Always have a good supply of water nearby to put out spreading flames. You can also use a portable fire extinguisher. Assign some people to be on the extinguish team armed with shovels. Make sure they shovel the fire pit numerous time until all the embers have gone out. Never let children be in charge of the bonfire or cleanup.
Fires can get out of hand quickly, and if someone gets too close to the flames they can easily get burned. This incident would require a trip to the nearest urgent care location for medical treatment.
Candle-lit Jack-o-Lanterns
It is a tradition to put candles in carved pumpkins to light up their faces. Instruct children that while these are a delight to look at, they shouldn't go near them or play with them while the candles are lit. A costume or candy bag may catch on fire in an instant, and a child's first reaction may be to run, causing the fire to burn faster. Talk to you children about candles inside pumpkins this year and if they do get burned, head to an urgent care location for emergency medical care. To reduce all risk of candles, try flameless candles!
Holiday Decorations
For Halloween and Christmas, people hang lights outdoors. But, some are hung incorrectly or too close to other decorations that could easily ignite from faulty wiring or the heat of the lights. Check all wires, outlets, and plugs before hanging lights both indoors and outdoors, and keep decorations that could easily ignite away from lights.
Fireplace Maintenance
Unless you know how to clean out your fireplace on your own before fire season begins, call a professional. Too many homes are burned each year from blocked fireplaces and it only takes minutes for a living or family room to burn and quickly spread to other areas of the home. Always keep a fire extinguisher near your fireplace and never overload them with too much wood.
The biggest dangers of holiday candles, bonfires, and fireplaces is easily controlled using common sense. Keep safety on top of your list during the holiday season and if a fire ignites, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Frequently asked questions
What are some safety precautions to consider when choosing a location for a bonfire?
When choosing a location for a bonfire, it is important to pick a space that is at least 25 feet away from any structure or vehicle, trees, bushes, or brush. It is also important to look around and identify any items in the area that could easily catch fire. If such items are found, another location should be chosen.What are some guidelines for building a safe fire pit for a bonfire?
A safe fire pit should have a circumference that is at least two-feet wider than the fire will be. The pit should be dug 18-inches deep. Rocks or gravel should be placed on the perimeter of the fire pit. It is also advisable to use a minimal amount of wood and replenish as needed.What are some safety measures to consider when having a candle-lit jack-o-lantern?
It is important to instruct children not to go near or play with candle-lit jack-o-lanterns. Items such as costumes or candy bags can easily catch fire. To reduce all risk of candles, consider using flameless candles.What are some precautions to take when hanging holiday lights?
Before hanging holiday lights, it's important to check all wires, outlets, and plugs. Also, decorations that could easily ignite should be kept away from lights.What is the importance of fireplace maintenance in fire safety?
Proper fireplace maintenance is crucial in fire safety. Many homes are burned each year from blocked fireplaces. It is advisable to have a professional clean out your fireplace before fire season begins if you are unsure how to do it yourself.What should one always have near a fireplace?
A fire extinguisher should always be kept near a fireplace.What should be done in case a fire ignites?
In case a fire ignites, the immediate action should be to call 9-1-1.What is a key safety measure to remember when having a bonfire?
A key safety measure to remember when having a bonfire is to always have a good supply of water nearby to put out spreading flames. It is also advisable to assign some people to be on the extinguish team armed with shovels.
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