AFD offers winter fire safety tips

(Albuquerque Fire Dept./KRQE) - The Albuquerque Fire Department is committed to making this winter season safe and joyous for all the citizens of Albuquerque.

We want everyone to recognize the importance of fire safety in our homes. It is critically important to be highly alert to the fire dangers that exist during the winter season and throughout the year.

More than 4,000 Americans die each year in fires and approx 20,000 are injured. These people may be alive today if only they had the information they needed to avoid a disaster.

82% of all fire deaths occur in the home.

Here are some safety tips.

Fireplaces and woodstoves

• Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney and fireplace or creosote build-up, cracks, crumbling bricks and obstructions.
• Place fireplace or wood stove ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least 3 ft away from anything that can burn.
• Dont burn trash including gift wrapping. The wrapping may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.

Portable heaters need at least 3 ft of empty space between the heater and everything else like furniture, curtains, papers and people

• Make sure the heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function.
• Check the cord and make sure it is not frayed. If frayed, it is time for a new heater.
• Never use extension cords with portable heaters. It is a common cause of fire.
• An Adult must always be present when a space heater is used around children.
• ALWAYS turn off portable heaters when family members leave the house or are sleeping.

Christmas Trees need about an inch cut off the end of the trunk. This will remove the dried end and allow the tree to absorb water.

• Make sure and mount the tree securely and away from any combustible materials or heat sources such as fireplaces or candles.
• Water the tree everyday.
• When the needles get brittle or dull and begin to fall from the tree, it is time for the tree to go back outside.
• There are 300 fires and 30 injuries resulting from Christmas tree fires each year

Decorations

• Use lights that are UL approved. Check every set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connect ions before using. Throw away anything that is not in perfect condition.
• Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• ALWAYS turn off all tree lights and decorations before you go to bed or leave your home.

Candles and Luminarias

• Never place a burning candle or luminaria near anything that can quickly ignite, such as curtains, Christmas trees, brush, etc.
• Always keep candles and luminaries away from children and pets as they could get burned if touched.
• Never place candles or luminaries on combustible surfaces such as wood porches or near dry grass or leaves.
• Never light luminaries during windy conditions where the bag can be ignited and burning debris could spread the fire.
• Keep candles and luminaries away from other decorations.
• Be sure candles have sturdy/stable bases and are placed where they can not be bumped or brushed against.
• ALWAYS monitor candles and luminaries when burning.

Smoke Alarms

Working smoke alarms alert you to a fire and more than double your chances of surviving a fire.

• Install smoke alarms in every home, on every level, outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.
• Test your smoke alarms each month to make sure they are working.
• Replace batteries twice a year when daylight savings occurs.
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years or sooner if broken.
• When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast!

Have an Escape Plan

• It is essential to have an escape plan. It could mean life or death.
• Plan your escape- know two ways out of every room
• Have a safe spot that everyone meets at across the street.
• Practice at least once a month so everyone knows what to do if a fire does occur.