Millburn Fire Department Lists Top 5 Safety Tips for Every Holiday Home

With winter on its way, the Millburn Fire Department offers safety tips to remind local residents to be wary of the increased potential of dangerous home fires during the winter season.

“Unfortunately, what should be the happiest time of the year is often marred by avoidable tragedies,” Fire Marshal Tom Pizzano said. “By being aware of common safety precautions, residents and their families can be assured a safe and festive holiday season.”

Handle Candles With Care

Candles should be used only under supervision. Avoid leaving candles unattended, or placing them near curtains, paper, or combustible decorations. Consider using safe battery-operated candles with realistic, flickering “flames” to achieve ambience without the added risk.

Deck the Halls Without the Danger

Electric decorations, including outdoor lights and menorahs, have become much safer over the year, but precautions should still be taken.

“Lights and cords should be carefully inspected, and decorations that will be exposed to outdoor weather should be plugged into three-prong, ground fault-interrupted, receptacles to prevent the risk of fire and electric shock,” Fire Marshall Pizzano said.

Keep an Eye on Christmas Trees

If you choose to showcase a live Christmas tree in your holiday home this season, make sure the evergreen is freshly cut, as dry branches can pose a serious fire hazard. The tree should be kept in water that is replenished regularly. Never place a Christmas tree near a flame source.

Fireplace, Flue and Chimney Safety

Fireplaces should be inspected periodically, and flues and chimneys should be cleaned annually.

Avoid collecting branches in the backyard, as only dry and seasoned hardwood should be burned in your fireplace.

Ashes should never be disposed of in a paper or plastic bag or receptacle. Be sure to place ashes in a metal can outside and away from the home instead.

Cooking Safety Tips

Don’t take your eyes off the stove when cooking a meal. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing, which may ignite and cause serious burns when near the stove.

“Don’t use water to extinguish a greasy fire, instead place a lid on the pot or pan, or use baking soda to smother a small fire,” Fellow Essex County Fire Official Mark Giuliani said. “Never try to extinguish a large fire. If a large fire occurs, get out and call the fire department immediately.”

Giuliani added that cooking is the leading cause of fires and fire injuries within the home.

Millburn Fire Department Offers Free Home Safety Inspections

“As a reminder, the Fire Department offers free safety surveys of local homes,” Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts added. “The idea to begin offering the safety surveys came after the Stanford, Connecticut fire of Christmas Day 2010, which tragically claimed the lives of three young girls and their grandparents.”

Millburn-Short Hills residents interested in scheduling a survey can contact the Department, at (973) 564-7043.