Margate Fire Chief Dan Adams conducts fire prevention training at the Margate Library during summer.
MARGATE – The Margate Fire Department is advising residents of potential fire hazards during the holiday season.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency, December is the leading month for home fires, partly because of the holiday season and colder temperatures.
Many winter fires can be prevented by taking basic safety precautions so families can enjoy a festive, fire-free holiday season. Make sure smoke detectors are working before you put up the Christmas tree or invite friends for a holiday gathering.
A third of home Christmas fires are caused by electrical problems, or having a heat source too close to the tree.
Margate Fire Chief Dan Adams offers tips and resources to reduce the risk of fires:
Christmas trees
- Choose a live tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched
- Make a fresh cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk of the tree
- Place tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, heating vents or lights
- Make sure the tree does not block exits
- Add water to the tree stand daily
- Use only UL certified lights suitable for indoor use
- Replace any broken bulbs, broken cords, and read instruction on how many light strands can be connected
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree
- Turn off lights before leaving the house or going to bed
“Deck the halls, but be fire smart,” Adams said. “A Christmas tree fire can grow very large very quickly.”
For additional information or assistance, call the Margate City Fire Department at 609-822-5562, or call 911 in an emergency.
