Kids & Family

Fire Safety Tips From Johnston-Grimes Fire Department — And Santa

Firefighters offer best practices when using space heaters and candles and decorating with live trees.

The staff from the Johnston-Grimes Fire Department — with the assistance of Santa Claus — has produced a video to give residents tips on fire prevention during the holiday season and winter. The video addresses safety with space heaters, candles and Christmas trees.

Spoiler alert: Here are the safety guidelines they offer in the video:

Space heaters: Keep blankets, pillows and stuffed animals away from heaters; keep them away from furniture and use only in an open area; keep away from pets; buy one with a safety switch in case it falls or is knocked over.

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Candles: Always use a candle holder underneath to collect hot wax that could start a fire; blow out candles when leaving the room or home; keep out of reach of pets and kids; and only use candles away from flammable materials.

Trees: Don't buy a natural tree with needles that are dry or prickly; use a tree base and provide plenty of water throughout the holidays to keep the tree from drying out; check the water level daily.

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Holiday lights: Check as you put lights on that there are no frayed wires and no bulbs are broken, which could cause fire. Turn off or unplug lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

Check out the timeless tips offered by the department in the video below.

Logo, video courtesy of City of Johnston

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