The Bartlesville Fire Department is offering safety tips to help prevent common household fires over the holiday season.
“Recently, we have had an increase in fire calls,” said Brady Watson, fire marshal. “When the temperatures go down, you can expect it like clockwork. People get more creative with heating, leaving extension cords plugged in and things of that nature.”
Watson offered the following safety tips to help residents prevent household fires, accidental burns and more:
Cooking safety. Keep children at least 3 feet away from cooking appliances to prevent accidental burns. Don’t leave baking/cooking unattended. Set a timer (even one on your phone) so you don’t forget to keep an eye on it.
Stovetop fires. Be sure to keep a metal lid or cooking sheet nearby to smother any potential cooking fires on the stovetop. A fire extinguisher should also be kept handy.
Oven fires. Keep the door closed and turn off the fuel source (natural gas, etc.).
Candles. Clear a 1-foot radius around the candle from combustible items. Do not leave candles unattended. Extinguish before you go to bed or before leaving the house. Instead of flame candles, consider using battery powered candles for décor, which are much safer.
Portable heaters. Plug directly into a wall outlet, NEVER into an extension cord (those will overheat). Keep it at least 3 feet from anything combustible (curtains, bedding, etc.). When you’re not using it, unplug it.
Christmas trees. If you’re using a real Christmas tree, water it daily to keep it hydrated. Dehydrated Christmas trees are known to go up in flames in 11 seconds. (If you see the needles start to fall off, it’s dehydrated.) If you decorate it with lights, use a power strip so that the power will cut off if it overheats.
Outdoor Christmas lights. Make sure decorations put up outdoors are rated for outdoor use.
Circuits. Don’t overload circuits or power strips a la Clark Griswald. Stick to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Fireplaces. Fireplaces and chimneys should be inspected annually to make sure everything is intact and clean. Use seasoned wood which will burn cleaner and longer.
Smoke detectors/Carbon monoxide detectors. The fire department recommends everyone have smoke detectors in their sleeping quarters and hallways (at least one on every floor). Test them once a month. Change the batteries twice a year (usually in spring and fall when the time changes). Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended on each floor as well, preferably near the sleeping areas, and they should be tested monthly as well. Most smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have a 10-year shelf life and should be replaced after that time (check manufacturer’s recommendations on the unit). Fire department can also help test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if you need assistance.
Fire extinguishers. Have a fire extinguisher readily available in the kitchen — not too close to the stove – so that you can back away, grab the fire extinguisher and use it from a safe distance. (If it’s too big of a fire, always call the fire department). Keep another fire extinguisher in the garage.
Vehicle safety. Have your vehicle checked regularly. Check the tire pressure, fluids, wipers and batter levels. If you take long drives, please stop and gets rest when you can.
Portable fire pit. Portable fire pits are designed for a smaller, ambient fire. Try to stay away from your house, wood porches or anything combustible. Keep the leaves away from it. Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher handy, just in case.
Outdoor burning. Outdoor burning, unless specifically exempted (such as portable fire pits), is prohibited within City limits without a burn permit, which must be obtained from the fire department.
Overall, Bartlesville residents are urged to use caution this holiday season.
“Stay vigilant, stay safe,” Watson advises. “Don’t leave anything unattended.”