Fire Safety Proponents Urge Caution This Holiday Season

December, January and February were the peak months for home structure fires during 2009, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Cooking causes most home fires and injuries.

Poway Fire Director of Safety Services Mark Sanchez said that during the holiday season, unattended food or running an errand while leaving the stove or oven on are among the leading causes of calls.

"We caution people to not be in a hurry, to be deliberate," Sanchez said.  "And I can't stress enough the importance of having batteries in smoke detectors. We preach that and urge people [to] use extra caution."

In addition to exercising caution, the Burn Institute recommends checking extension cords and Christmas lights for frays.

"These are elements that aren't up year round and people generally keep using the same items year after year," said Burn Institute Director of Communications Diane Sparacino. "Also something to consider is that this time of year there are generally more children under foot, and people are cooking, baking, lighting candles and have fires in their fireplaces, all of which present dangers that aren't around throughout the entire year."

Sparacino also stresses the importance of Christmas tree safety.

"Trees are highly flammable, and shouldn't be put near a heat source," she said.  "You should also keep your tree well hydrated and as watered as possible. We also recommend you don't leave candles burning or tree lights plugged in when you leave a room. Before you leave, turn off everything."

Despite the national increase in the number of fires during the holiday season, the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties (ARC) points out that it doesn't take a holiday to induce a disaster.

"It's important people take simple and inexpensive steps now, such as installing a smoke alarm inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of their homes," said Teri Klemchuck, ARC coordinator of communications and marketing.

There are a number of preventative measures renters and home owners can take to maximize fire safety.  The Burn Institute recommends the following:

• Cook on rear burners and turn the pot handles toward the back of the stove top.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing around open flames. Keep sleeves rolled up.
• Never leave food unattended while preparing a meal. Keep children out of the kitchen.
• Before leaving your home or going to bed, unplug tree lights and electronic ornaments.
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it's safe.
• If lights are frayed or have cracked wiring or broken sockets, dispose and replace the string.
• Keep your tree well hydrated and away from heat sources.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving a room.
• Use a sturdy, noncombustible candle holder, large enough to collect the dripping wax.
• Keep candles away from curtains and other flammable materials.
• Consider using flameless candles as a safe alternative.

Burn Institute Well-Hydrated Christmas Tree Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 gallons of hot water
• 2 cups clear Karo syrup
• 2 oz. liquid chlorine bleach
• 2 pinches of Epsom salts
• 1/2 tsp. Borax
• 1 tsp. chelated iron (available at garden shops)

How it works:  The Karo syrup provides the sugar necessary to allow the base of the tree to take up water. Up to 1.5 gallons of water can be taken up by the tree over a two-week period. Boron in the Borax allows the tree to move water and sugar out to every branch and needle in the tree. Magnesium compounds in the Epsom salts and iron from the chelated iron provide components for the production of chlorophyll to help keep the tree green. The bleach prevents mold from forming in the solution. Other benefits of the recipe include a noticeable increase in the tree's natural evergreen fragrance; plus the tendency to shed fewer needles means less mess to clean up after the holidays.

Instructions: 

1.  Place water in a bucket and add all the ingredients. Stir until all ingredients are completely dissolved and set aside. 

2.  Make a fresh, level cut 3 inches from the bottom of the tree trunk.

3.  Stand the trunk of the tree in the solution and leave for 24 hours.

4.  Place tree in a tree stand that contains a well for liquid.

5.  When the tree has been positioned in the stand, use a plastic cup to pour the solution into the tree well. Safely store the remaining solution.

6.  Every day, top-off the well with the solution to keep your tree hydrated.

Note: Pet owners should make sure the solution is kept out of reach to avoid ingestion.