Remember fire safety this holiday season

  • Published
  • By Fire Prevention Office
  • 60th Civil Engineer Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The winter holidays are a time for celebration.

For many families that means more cooking, home decorating and entertaining.

Unfortunately, there is also an increased risk of fire that comes with the holidays due to heating equipment, lights and other seasonal decorations.

Travis' Fire Prevention Office urges housing residents to be cautious and fire safe this holiday season.

Below are some safety tips to remember:

Holiday light safety

-- Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

-- Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.

--Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.

Holiday decorations

-- Use only non-flammable/flame-retardant decorations and place away from heat vents.
-- Artificial holiday trees are the only type allowed in the various public assembly buildings on Travis. These trees should be in good condition and listed as flame retardant. Remember to use only approved decorations and lights. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual approval seal on all electrical lights or decorations.

-- Have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
For additional information or assistance, contact the Fire Prevention Office at 424-3683.