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Deck The Halls, But Do It Safely

Presented By Classic Brands

(Columbus) – With stockings hung by chimneys with care, the State Fire Marshal reminds all Ohioans to stay safe during this holiday season. Many are decorating for the holidays, and that could increase the likelihood of a fire in your home. 

 

“The holidays are a time for celebration, but Ohioans still need to be diligent when it comes to fire safety,” Marshal Reardon said. “When decorating, simple steps can help you eliminate fire risks in your home and ensure your holiday is an enjoyable one.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, one of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. Christmas tree fires are more serious than typical home fires with one of every 31 reported Christmas tree fires resulting in a fatality. On average, just one in 144 typical home fires do. 

Decoration Safety

  • For fresh or artificial Christmas trees, eliminate heat by using LED lights. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs do not get hot and they use 75% to 90% less electricity for the same amount of light. 
  • Purchase lights that bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Inspect lights each year and throw them away if they have frayed or pinched wires.
  • Outdoor lights are specifically labeled for outdoor use. They should be fastened securely and placed on a ground fault interrupter circuit.
  • Do not connect too many light sets together and never use extension cords that are worn or cracked. Do not run them under rugs or over sharp objects.
  • Turn off lights and blow out candles when you go to bed or leave the house. 
  • Live Christmas trees should be as fresh as possible. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk, and place the tree in a sturdy stand; water it daily. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. 
  • Locate the tree as far away from heat sources as possible. Never place lit candles on or near the tree, or where the tree may fall if knocked over by a pet or child.
  • Dispose of your tree shortly after Christmas or when it becomes dry.
  • Do not block your primary or alternate escape routes with a tree, decorations or presents.
  • Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
  • If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.

In addition, the State Fire Marshal encourages Ohioans to have a working smoke alarm installed on every level of the home and inside and outside of each bedroom or sleeping area. Smoke alarms with a manufacture date of 2012 or earlier need to be replaced. For more fire safety tips, visit the State Fire Marshal’s website.

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Backyard Grilling Safety

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(COLUMBUS) — For many, a Memorial Day cookout marks the unofficial start of summer. Ahead of the holiday weekend, state officials ask Ohioans to practice safe grilling and review and understand their insurance coverage as the season begins.

May is among the leading months for home grilling fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Common causes include failing to properly clean the grill, leaks, or breaks, having a flammable object too close to the grill, and unattended cooking. In regard to injuries, children under five accounted for an average of 2,000 or 39%, of contact burns per year.

“I’m sure I can speak for a lot of people when I say I’m looking forward to firing up the grill with family and friends this Memorial Day,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin S. Reardon. “But while cookouts can be a great way to finally celebrate the unofficial start to summer with loved ones, they can also be dangerous if proper precautions aren’t taken.”

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal offers the following tips to help Ohioans practice safe grilling this Memorial Day and all summer:

  • Only use grills outdoors and keep them at least 10 feet away from the home, away from deck railings, and out from under eaves.
  • When using a propane grill for the first time each year, inspect the gas tank hose for leaks.
  • Clean the grill after each use to remove grease that can start a fire.
  • With a propane grill, always open the lid before lighting it.
  • When using a charcoal grill, only use charcoal starter fluid and never add charcoal fluid or other flammable liquids to the fire.
  • After using a charcoal grill, always place coals in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.
  • Never leave a grill unattended when lit!
  • Before using a grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line.
  • Wear well-fitted clothing when barbecuing. Loose articles and flammable material, such as nylon, should be avoided. 

This backyard barbeque season, the Ohio Department of Insurance encourages Ohioans to review their policies. Most property insurance policies cover structures and personal possessions damaged or destroyed by a fire, applicable to the terms and limits of the policy. Auto policies may have coverage available should your vehicle get damaged by fire as well. This is important to note, especially for those participating in camping and tailgating.

Consumers should review their deductible and coverage amounts for each policy with an agent to ensure they meet their needs. A health insurance review is also a good idea. Become familiar with your policy’s cost-sharing amounts, urgent and emergency care aspects, and in-network medical providers.