Maricopa Fire’s tips to keep your family safe this holiday season

Historically, the winter months are the most active for house fires. In Maricopa, we are not immune to such tragedies, last year our area was affected by a fatal house fire that left a young family without a mother. In the past month alone, there have been two Maricopa families displaced due to a fire.

The holidays are a time to be enjoyed with friends and family, not time to try to rebuild your life after a fire that may have been prevented. With the holiday season now in full swing, there are added fire hazards inside a home. Christmas trees, candles, extra lights and decorations, and heaters all deserve attention to ensure they can be enjoyed safety.

The Maricopa Fire Department wants to help ensure your safety this season and offers the following safety tips:

Candles:
• If possible avoid lit candles; there are fake candles that use light bulbs to replicate the flame; they are safe and cost effective as you can use them over and over. 
• If you use lit candles, never place them by a tree or hanging curtains. Place them in areas where they cannot be knocked over, and never leave a candle unattended.

Holiday lights:
• Inspect cords for any frayed or exposed wires, bare spots or gaps in the insulations.
• Do NOT overload electrical outlets; never string more than three strands together unless approved by the manufacturer.
• Periodically check cords; they should never be warm to the touch, and, if so, then dispose of them.

Decorations:
• All decorations should be non-flammable and pulled away from heating vents.
• Make sure that your decorations are not blocking exits; do not put your family at risk if an emergency happens and you can not get out of your exits safely.
• Never put discarded wrapping paper in your fireplace; wrapping paper can create a large fire and throw embers outside the fireplace and start a fire inside your home.

Home Heating:
• Keep or maintain a three-foot clearance between all heating equipment (gas water heater, space heater, etc.) and anything that can burn.
• Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety.
• When buying a new, portable space heater, make sure it has the label showing a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Space heaters should be turned off every time you leave the room and before going to bed.

The Maricopa Fire Department wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

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