The day after Thanksgiving markes Black Friday and more importantly; the beginning of the Christmas Holiday season.  Aside from shopping for gifts, many families will soon decorate their Christmas trees and light their fireplaces for the first time of the year.  For most, this is the time of the year to enjoy eggnog, while singing Christmas carols and sharing memories by an open fire.  Did you know that this time of the year also results in an increased number of avoidable home fires?

In fact, the National Fire Safety Administration and Chimney Safety Institute of America estimate that approximately 26,000 residential fires originate from chimneys, fireplaces, and solid fuel fires each year.  While the majority of these fires are avoidable, they represent  they representthe loss of millions in property damage and the loss countless lives.  Following a few tips can keep your holiday from becoming a trajedy.

Practice Chimeny and Fireplace Safety

The National Fire Protection Association suggests you hire a certified chimney sweep to inspect your fireplace and chimney each year.  This will ensure your chimney and fireplace remain safe and sound;  Having your chimney inspected and cleaned annually also reduces the potential buildup of creosote; a major cause of chimney fires nationally.  It is estimated that 39% of rural chimney fires result from a buildup of creoste.

Friendly Fires versus Unfriendly Fires

A friendly fire is an intentionally kindled fire that remains within its intended confines, such as in your FIREPLACE.  An unfriendly fire or a hostile fire is fire that moves beyond its intended confines regardless of the orginal intent.  Use the following tips to ensure fire in your fireplace remains friendly and "within its intended confines".

• Use  completely dried wood to avoid creosote buildup.
• Maintain at least 3 fee of clearance around your fireplace to ensure proper air circulation
• Never over fill your fireplace and start your fire near the rear of the fireplace on proper grating.
• Never leave a fireplace unattended.  Make sure your fire is completely extinguished prior to going to bed or leaving home.
• Never burn Christmas trees, paper, or cardboard in your fireplace.
• Always store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home's exterior.

Christmas Tree Safety

For most families, Christmas is not Christmas without having a beatifully decorated tree in the family room.  The smell of a natural tree coupled with the joy experienced by the lighting of the star and placing of gifts is shared by many.  Due to electrical shorts and small flames from various sources, Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires each year.  The following tree maintenance tips willhelp your family enjoy a safe and secure holiday season at home:

• Pick a fresh tree.  your tree should be green and the branches should hard to pull back.  Also, your tree's needles should not break easily if freshly cut.
• Keep your tree watered daily.  A dry and neglected tree is a dangerous tree; especially when decorated.
• Place your tree away from heat sources; especially fireplaces and heaters.  Heat causes your tree to dry quickly; making it more susceptible to sparks and flames.
• Never leave your tree up for more than 2 weeks.
• Properly dispose of your tree.  Never burn your tree or its needles in the fireplace.  Always take your tree to a recycling center or have it ahuled away by your city's disposal service.

Check your Smoke and Carbon Detectors Regularly

Nothing is more annoying than a screeching smoke detector.  While the sound is annoying, this is one of your home's most important safety devices.  Regularly chekcing your alarm batteries will ensure that ensure that you are alerted in case of a build up of smoke and carbon monoxide. Remember, carbon monoxide is colorless, tasteless, and ordorless.  

This time of the year is normally reserved our fondest memories.  The times we share can easily change if we forget simple safety measures.  For the majority of the year, most fireplaces remain dormant.  Therefore, it is easy to forget these safety tips.  Share this post with your family and friends.  Keep your family safe, and remember that fire and smoke safety starts and stops with us all. 

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