The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment. Merrimack Fire Rescue would like to present the following facts and suggest some safety tips to enjoy a safe holiday season.

Facts & figures

During 2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 260 home structure fires that started with Christmas trees. These fires caused an average of 12 deaths, 24 injuries, and $16.4 million in direct property damage annually.

During 2003-07, an estimated 15,300 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 170 civilian deaths, 1,290 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $450 million.

Four in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen – more than any other place in the home.

Half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2004-08

On average, a fire in a home, caused by a candle, is reported to a U.S. fire department every 30 minutes.

Roughly one-third of home candle fires started in the bedroom.

More than half of all candle fires start when flammable items are too close to the candle.

Holiday decorating

? Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

? Keep lit candles away from decorations and other items that can burn.

? Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

? Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

? Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

? Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday entertaining

? Test your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

? Keep children and pets away from lit candles.

? Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.

? Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stove top.

? Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.

? Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Christmas tree safety

? Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

? Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk.

? Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.

? Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

? Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

? Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.

? Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.

? Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

? Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Candle Safety

? Candles may be pretty to look at but they are a cause of home fires – and home fire deaths. Remember, a candle is an open flame, which means that it can easily ignite anything that can burn.

? Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

? Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.

? Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.

? Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.

? Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.

? Don’t burn a candle all the way down – put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

? Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.

? Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Wood stove and pellet stove safety

? Install the stove, chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.

? Wood stoves should have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

? In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.

? Start the fire with newspaper or kindling, never with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.

? Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.

? Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home, decks and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate the ashes with water.

? Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected yearly.