Published: December 02, 2008 10:00 am      

Holiday lights can be nice, but safety comes first

DUNCAN — Every year, more than 400 lives across the nation are claimed by fires during the holiday season. Over 1,600 more are injured. Damages run more than $990 million.

These statistics are from the U.S. Fire Administration and were provided by Marlow Fire Chief Jerome McCalvin.

“The holiday season is a time for family, not tragedy,” McCalvin said.

“I hope everyone has a safe time in the county and community.”

In order to prevent an accident from happening due to holiday celebrations, McCalvin said there are a few routine things people can do to minimize any danger.

“Our number one hazard for the holiday season are candles,” he said.

Many times, candles will be lighted to freshen the air, then people will forget about them and walk out of the room for an extended period of time, he said.

“Some of the candles have glass that is thin,” McCalvin said. “If the candle burns awhile without supervision, the glass could crack.”

Duncan Fire Chief Larry Sullins agreed.

“I’ve actually seen the glass break before and the candle continued to burn outside the container,” Sullins said.

Other safety hazards to be aware of:

• Christmas lights.

McCalvin said that people should not link more than three light strands together because it could overload the system.

“Each strand pulls x amount of amps,” he said. “If it heats up to a point, it could start to melt.”

People should check their light strands periodically to see if they are warm to the touch, which they shouldn’t be, McCalvin said.

Sullins added to make sure that the lines aren’t frayed or broken in any place.

Also, when purchasing Christmas lights, check whether they are outdoor or indoor lights, McCalvin said.

“They are rated different,” he said.

Outdoor lights put out much more amperage than indoor lights and get hotter, he said.

But if one is purchasing indoor lights, make sure to purchase the one that can sustain highest voltage and amperage possible, McCalvin said.

• Christmas trees.

“People who have real trees need to keep them watered and refreshed,” Sullins said. “Stay safe and enjoy the season.”

McCalvin said that real trees can have much of their moisture evaporated because of the Christmas lights on the branches.

“Then it becomes a fire hazard,” he said. “But if they are hydrated, there shouldn’t be a problem.”

In light of that, one should also never put a burning candle on a tree, McCalvin said.

For more fire safety tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov.