Centerville Fire Department

If you have a real Christmas tree, keep it watered and keep all ignition sources like candles and space heaters away from the tree. Christmas tree fires can turn devastating and deadly within seconds; Watch the short video below:

Christmas Tree Safety: Each year, fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. A heat source too close to the Christmas tree started a fire one of every five (18%) of these fires. Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur, they are likely to be serious. Carefully decorating Christmas trees can help make your holidays safer. If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified, or identified by... the manufacturer as fire-retardant. If you select a live tree, select one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If too many needles fall off the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches off the bottom. Make sure that the tree is placed away from flammable materials and to water the tree daily. If you decide to light your tree, use lights that have the label of an independent laboratory. Some lights are made for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Always turn off the Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. You should get rid of your tree when the needles start to drop. Dried out trees are a fire hazard. You can dispose of your tree by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service. See more

Home Heating Safety: Space heaters, whether portable or stationary, accounted for two of every five (40%) of home heating fires and four out of five (84%) of home heating fire deaths. All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment. Use heating equipment that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Never use your oven or stove for heating. Ovens and stoves are not designed to heat your home. Install stationary space heating... equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to local codes and the manufacturer’s instructions. Have a qualified professional install the equipment. Make sure fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is created when fuels burn incompletely. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause illness and even death. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed. This includes the removal of snow and ice and other debris around the outlet to the outside. Choose a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional. Furnaces need to be inspected and serviced at least once a year by a qualified professional. Keep things that can burn at least 3 feet away from the furnace. Keep the furnace area clean and uncluttered. If you smell gas, do not light the appliance. Leave the building immediately and call 9 -1-1 and the gas company. See more

Tips to help prevent deep-fried turkey accidents -Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages, and a safe distance away from trees and other structures. -Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.... -Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow. -Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use. -Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer. -Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner. -Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds. -Never leave fryers unattended. -Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off. -Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on. -Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms, and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not use water or a garden hose on a fire-related to Turkey Fryers. -Skip the stuffing when frying turkey, and avoid water-based marinades. -Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times. -Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface, and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing of. -Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey.