From our Fire Department Family to yours...
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 individuals and cause over $930 million dollars in damage nationally. Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) encourages you to follow these simple life-saving steps to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.
Candles
- Always use candle sticks or non flammable holders.
- Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Do not link more than three lights strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
- Any lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulbs should not be used.
- Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S..
- If you must leave the kitchen while preparing food, set a timer or carry a pot holder to remind you that food is cooking.
- Keep your tree away from fireplaces, portable and baseboard heaters.
- Try to keep fresh cut trees as moist as possible by giving it plenty of water each day.
- Dispose of fresh-cut trees properly. Never burn it in a fireplace or wood stove.
