Keep your holidays injury-free with these important safety tips from Safe Kids USA and the United States Fire Administration

Washington, DC — In addition to food, family, and gifts, decorations are one of the reasons that many look forward to the holiday season. While candles, Christmas trees, and other decorations are part of the holiday spirit, they can pose fire and poisoning hazards, especially to curious children. Safe Kids USA and the United States Fire Administration remind parents and caregivers to take a few precautions when decorating for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other festivities.

Wintertime is the most dangerous time of the year for injuries and deaths from fire. Each year, approximately 450 children ages 14 and under die in residential fires; children under the age of 5 are at the greatest risk. “Never, never leave lit candles unattended,” says Suzanne Morton, Safe Kids USA fire and burn safety program manager. “Don’t put candles on a tree or a natural wreath, or near curtains or drapes, and keep matches and lighters locked out of reach of children.”

In 2005, candles started an estimated 15,600 home fires in the United States, and the top four days for candle fires are around Christmas and New Year’s, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Battery-operated flameless candles are an alternative that does not have a fire risk. Decorative lighting should be labeled with the seal of an independent testing lab and should only be used outdoors if it’s labeled for outdoor use.

“I am pleased to join with Safe Kids USA to raise the level of awareness about the potential dangers during the holiday season,” said U.S. Fire Administrator, Kelvin J. Cochran. “Make sure your smoke alarms are working and that your children can hear them while they are sleeping; make and practice a home fire escape plan; and follow basic safety tips regarding holiday decorating.”

If you decorate a tree, Safe Kids USA and the USFA recommend these precautions:

· Never leave a lighted Christmas tree or other decorative lighting display unattended. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections, and broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords or outlets and do not run an electrical cord under a rug.

· Natural Christmas trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, get a fresh tree and keep it watered at all times. Do not put the tree within three feet of a fireplace, space heater, radiator, or heat vent.

· Decorate with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy, on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Trim protruding branches at or below a child’s eye level, and keep lights out of reach.

· Do not burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood, or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.

Safe Kids USA also offers these tips to prevent poisoning:

· Keep alcohol (including baking extracts) out of reach and do not leave alcoholic drinks unattended.

· Color additives used in fireplace fires are a toxic product and should be stored out of reach. Artificial snow can be harmful if inhaled, so use it in a well-vented space.

· Mistletoe berries, Holly Berry and Jerusalem Cherry can be poisonous. If they are used in decorating, make sure children and pets cannot reach it.

· In a poison emergency, call the national Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.

For more information about holiday safety, call 202-662-0600 or visit the fire and poisoning prevention pages at www.usa.safekids.org. For in-depth fire safety information, visit the USFA’s fire safety Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens.

About Safe Kids USA
Safe Kids USA is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations with the mission of preventing unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14 in the U.S. More than 600 coalitions in the United States and nineteen member countries worldwide bring together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families.

About the United States Fire Administration
As an entity of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the mission of the USFA is to provide national leadership to foster a solid foundation for our fire and emergency services stakeholders in prevention, preparedness, and response.

Focus on Fire Safety: Electrical Fire Safety

Electrical fires are pervasive throughout the United States, causing injury, claiming lives, and resulting in large losses of property. Most electrical fires result from problems with faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with extension/appliance cords and plugs also cause many home electrical fires. To help prevent an electrical fire in your home, routinely check electrical appliances and wiring and replace all worn, old, or damaged cords immediately.

Causes of Electrical Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association:

•Lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs (28%) and fixed wiring (22%) account for the largest share of fires among major types of electrical distribution equipment.
•Cords and plugs (39%) account for the largest share of civilian deaths.
•Lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs (30%) account for the largest share of civilian injuries.
Many avoidable electrical fires can be traced to misuse of electric cords, such as overloading circuits, poor maintenance, and running cords under rugs or in high traffic areas. Faulty electrical systems also cause many fires. In urban areas, faulty wiring accounts for 33% of residential electrical fires.

Electrical fires occur most often during the months of December and January, winter months that call for more indoor activities and increases in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Fifteen percent of residential electrical fires start in the bedroom.

Safety Precautions

•Replace or repair loose or frayed cords on all electrical devices.
•Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.
•In homes with small children, unused wall sockets and extension-cord receptacles should have plastic safety covers.
•Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.
•Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.
•Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.
•If outlets or switches feel warm, shut off the circuit and have them checked by an electrician.
•When possible, avoid the use of “cube taps” and other devices that allow the connection of appliances into a single receptacle.
•Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match the lamp’s recommended wattage.

By the Numbers: Electrical Fires

28,300 – estimated number of electrical residential building fire each year
360 – estimated civilian deaths due to electrical fires each year
1,000 – estimated civilian injuries due to electrical fires each year
$995 – million estimated direct property loss from electrical fires each year
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Warning Signs of Electrical Dangers

•Frequent or re-occurring issues with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
•A tingling sensation when you touch an electrical appliance or other metal objects
•Discolored or warm wall outlets, or sparks from an outlet
•A persistent burning smell coming from an appliance, room, or area
•Flickering or dimming lights

Focus on Fire Safety: Electrical Fire Safety
Having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a fire. And remember to practice a home escape plan frequently with your family.