Plan ahead for safe, happy holidays

Safety is the key to a happy holiday season, according to the Fort Belvoir safety and fire marshal’s offices.

Holiday dangers range from cooking fires to drunk drivers, but there are many precautions that people can take to avoid problems and enjoy the season.

Cooking fires are the number one cause of fires during the holiday season, said Tina Hill, safety and occupational health manager.

“As we head into the holiday season we tend to cook more and with all that activity you’re not as attentive as normal,” Hill said.

Hill recommends that people keep the stove area clear of children, pets, dish towels and wooden utensils to avoid cooking fires.

The number two cause of fires during this time of year is alternative sources of heat used during power outages. Open flames, like candles and fireplaces, are the number three cause of holiday fires.

“When the power goes out a lot of people try to heat the home with the oven, that’s not a good idea,” said Hill. “Dress warmly, bundle up. If you use a fireplace don’t overload it.”

The Fire Marshal’s Office recommends that people who use candles always place them in a stable candle holder and always extinguish them before leaving the house or going to sleep.

“Keep candles, Yule logs, Menorahs and Kinaras away from drapes, trees or potentially flammable objects,” said Fire Marshal Gary Smith.

The potential for electrical fires also increases during the holiday season. Smith recommends that everyone inspect all electrical equipment before use and that they use the proper size light bulbs in decorative lighting.

“Don’t overload circuits,” said Smith. “Make reading the directions a part of your holiday traditions.”

Another holiday season danger is the increase in the number of drunk drivers during the holidays.

“Always, always designate a drive before hand and make sure that they’re the only person with the keys,” Hill said.

Using the sober ride programs or taking a taxi is always an alternative to driving, said Hill.

And if you’re having parties in your own home make sure to have overnight accommodations and plenty of food if you’re serving alcohol.