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The Carol Stream Fire
Investigation Unit would like to remind the citizens
of the Village that the holiday season is approaching
fast, and with the holiday season comes fires.
Many holiday decorations can
present safety hazards. Below is a list of tips that we
have provided for a safe, happy and healthy holiday
season.
 The
Carol Stream Fire Investigation Unit would like to
wish you and your family a happy holiday.
Plan
Ahead
Planning
ahead and being prepared are the best tools of
prevention:
q
Have at least
one working smoke detector in your home
q
Keep a UL listed
multi-purpose fire extinguisher in your home
q
Have an escape
plan and practice it with your family
Candles
Candles
present a fire hazard anytime of the year, especially at
holiday time
q
Never use lit
candles on or near the holiday tree
q
Always use
non-flammable holders
q
Keep all candles
away from holiday decorations
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Keep candles
away from wrapping paper
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Place candles in
a safe area where they cannot be knocked down, knocked
over or blown over.
q
Keep the family
pets away from a lit candle
q
Never leave a
lit candle unattended
Space
Heaters
Space Heaters
present a fire hazard anytime of the year, especially at
holiday time
q
Never use a
space heater near the holiday tree
q
Keep space
heaters away from holiday decorations
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Keep space
heaters away from wrapping paper
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Place space
heater in
a safe area where it cannot be knocked down, or knocked
over.
q
Never leave a
space heater unattended
Holiday
Lights and Decorations
Lights
and decorations set the theme for the holidays
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Only use the lights that have been tested
for safety and have a UL label
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Check each set of lights for any cracked
sockets, frayed or bare wires, and any loose connections
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Do not string together more then three
sets of lights, unless the directions indicate it is
safe
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Connect strings of lights to an extension
before plugging the cord into the outlet
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Never use electric lights on metallic
trees unless it is flame retardant. Use spotlights
instead
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Periodically check the wires-they should
not be warm to the touch
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All decorations
should be non-flammable or flame retardant
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Keep all
decorations away from heat vents
The
Holiday Tree
Holiday
trees are a wonderful part of the holiday season
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Place your tree in a safe location, away
from fireplaces, radiators, or other heat sources
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Artificial trees
should bear the label of UL
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Cut trees must
have a water holding stand and watered daily
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Cut trees should
have 1 inch cut off diagonally before placing it in the
water holding stand
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Remember: heated
rooms dry trees out rapidly; a dry tree is a fire
hazard
Fireplaces
Fireplaces are a source
of warmth and heat and give off a wonderful ambiance for
any holiday party
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Have
your chimney checked and cleaned by a professional
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Make
sure the flue or damper is open before starting a fire
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Remove
all decorations from the immediate area
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Use
a screen to enclose the front of the fireplace
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Do
not build a fire too large
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Do
not burn wrapping
paper in the fireplace
**If you follow the above simple rules, your holiday season should be a
glorious time**
If you have any questions please contact the Carol Stream
Fire Department.
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