Holiday Fire Safety Tips

For the most part, activities associated with the holidays are fun and exciting. But all that commotion can cause people to be careless, especially where fires are concerned.

First responders see an increase in fires during the holidays, and many more burn-related injuries. The reasons are obvious ... Christmas trees, holiday lights, candles, extensive cooking and fires in the fireplace, for example.

Dr. Tracee Short, Medical Director of Baton Rouge General’s Regional Burn Center encourages families to practice safety during the holidays. Being prepared is important, she said, but prevention is even smarter.

Here are some simple steps that will help you and your family stay safe during the holidays:

• If you didn’t change the batteries in your smoke detector in October (daylight savings weekend), be sure to do it now.
• Don’t allow people to smoke in your home.
• Don’t play with fireworks and never let children handle them unsupervised.
• Keep lighters and matches away from children.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in your home, preferably in the kitchen, and know how to use it.
• Don’t allow wrapped packages to come in contact with lights on the tree.
• Check your lights. Do not use lights that have frayed or exposed wires.
• If you have a real tree, be sure it stays well hydrated.
• Don’t overload wall sockets with multiple plugs and cords.
• Discuss an escape route with your family in case of a fire, and decide on a meeting place outdoors so it’s easy to account for everyone in case of an emergency.

Click here to learn more about Baton Rouge General's Regional Burn Center.