Practice Fire Safety this Holiday Season

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Festive celebrations, family dinners, and flickering lights make the holidays magical, but they also pose fire risks. The Newport News Fire Department and the Village Green community encourages everyone to stay safe this holiday season. Below are some tips from the Newport News Fire Department to ensure you and your family remain safe this holiday season.

Holiday Decorations

  • Select decorations that are flame-resistant or flame retardant.
  • Use flameless candles.
  • Ensure that lights can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Replace broken or frayed lighting strands.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent cord damage.
  • Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Turn off all light decorations when leaving the home or going to bed.
  • Keep live trees well-watered!

Holiday Entertaining

  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and tell guests about your home escape plan.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
  • NEVER use water on an electric, grease, or gas fire.

Fall Prevention

  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Install nightlights.
  • Use a slip mat for the bath.
  • Clear traffic areas of clutter.
  • Use tape to secure area rugs.

For more tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s Holiday Fire Prevention webpage.