With the holidays fast approaching, the Midland Fire Department wants to remind everyone to be fire safety aware this season.
"House fires proportionally increase during the holiday season due to the rise of seasonal, festive, and decorative activities," said Fire Marshal David Hickman. "Even a simply overlooked hazard can create an unexpected misfortune."
Keep your home and valuables safe this holiday season by doing the following:
• Heat your home safely by having your heating system professionally inspected for proper operation.
• Buy fire safe decorations and closely inspect last year’s decorations for defects. Discard worn or damaged decorations and lighting.
• Natural Christmas trees need to be purchased fresh and watered often. Do not place a fresh cut tree too near any portable heat source or heater vents. The hot dry air will dehydrate a live tree very quickly.
• Have fireplaces inspected annually and do not burn Christmas wrapping paper. Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace. Closely supervise children when around open flames.
• Keep a close watch over the stove while cooking. Kitchen fires are still the top cause of house fires.
• Candles, which have become a major contributor of house fires, should never be left unattended and kept at least three feet away from anything that will burn. Keep candles in a sturdy container that will not tip over or on a non-combustible surface and read all warning labels.
• Have working smoke detectors in your home. Install them in each sleeping area and outside each sleeping area such as a common hallway.
###Media Contact: Fire Marshal David Hickman