Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Department The holidays are here, which means that it is time for decorations to be hung and for family and friends to get together. But it also means that there is a greater risk for fire. The Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Department would like to share the following safety tips to make sure that you and your family enjoy a happy and firesafe holiday season. As you begin to decorate for the winter holidays we would like to remind you of a few ways to prevent any accidents this holiday season: Inspect holiday lights each year and replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections, don't overload extension cords or wall sockets, and make sure to use the correct equipment such as a ladder when hanging outdoor lights on rooftops. Be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. More than one of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. Just as you inspect the lights that hang outside make sure to check for fringed or broken cords, and broken or loose bulbs on a string of lights meant for your Christmas tree. Dried out trees are a fire danger, make sure to water your tree regularly and keep heat sources such as candles, and space heaters at
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least 3 feet away from your Christmas tree. Keep decorations away from windows and doors. In the case of a fire you need to be able to get out quickly and safely having decorations that block your exits can lead to tragedy. The month of December is also the peak time of the year for home candle fires. More than a third of home decoration fires are started by candles. Remember to blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Never leave lit candles in an area that is easily accessible to children or an area near curtains or blinds that can catch fire. Lastly if planning to use sparklers during your New Year’s Celebrations be aware that the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause 3rd degree burns. Always make sure to use precautions and never leave a child unsupervised while using sparklers. For more information on Holiday Safety visit https://www.nfpa.org/ Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winterholidays and make sure to follow us on social media to see safety messages and stay up to date on what is happening in our department.
INSIDE MIRAMAR/PEMBROKE PINES - THE MAGAZINE
