VP Fire Chief shares safety tips to remember during the holidays

Special to the Gazette

The chiefs and firefighters of the Ville Platte, Fabourg, Belaire Cove and Chataignier fire departments and Evangeline Parish Fire District #2 have shared Christmas tree, firework safety and heating tips for the holiday season.
Christmas Tree Safety
• If you choose an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as a fire retardant.
• If it’s a live tree, choose one with fresh green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut one to two inches from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any type of heat source like fireplaces or candles.
• Make sure it is not blocking any exits and add water to the tree daily.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory as some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use but not for both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in-bulbs.
• Never use candles to decorate a tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Get rid of a live tree when it begins to drop needles — it will become a fire hazard.
Firework Safety
• If possible, attend a public fireworks show —leaving it up to the professionals is the safest way.
• Children should not be allowed to use fireworks without adult supervision.
• Use fireworks as directed on consumer product safety labels and never alter the product.
• Observe local laws and have a designated shooter.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Use fireworks away from buildings and vehicles.
• Wear safety glasses and have a water hose ready when shooting fireworks.
•Never relight a dud — soak them in water and wait 20 minutes before placing them in a trashcan.
Heating Safety
Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths. Half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January and February. Simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires from happening.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves and portable space heaters.
• Have a three-foot “kid free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualifiied professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacture, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.