PIFD stresses home safety during holidays

19 Dec 2003 | Cpl. Alisha R. Fitzgerald Marine Corps Training and Education Command

As Christmas lights and decorations adorn city streets and homes this holiday season, fire prevention for Tri-Command personnel becomes paramount.

The Parris Island Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division has compiled some guidelines for Depot families to keep their homes safe from fire throughout the holidays and into the New Year.

According to the United States Fire Administration, fires cause 2,600 injuries and $930 million in damages each holiday season.

"People do abnormal things this time of year - things that are unsafe, like lighting a lot of candles or overloading outlets, " said Fire Inspector Geoffrey Lee, Fire Prevention Division, PIFD.

One of the most dangerous situations results from the improper care of live trees in the home, according to the inspectors at Fire Prevention. They agreed that it is the number one cause of fires during the holidays.

"It only takes one little spark, and an entire room can be fully involved in about 47 seconds," said Fire Inspector Joseph Otterbine, Fire Prevention Division, PIFD.

Otterbine recommends that those who use live trees in their homes cut the bases at a 45-degree angle and keep them watered, using about a gallon of water a day.

"You'd be surprised how many people do not water their tree," said Lee. "Personally, I'd recommend using an artificial tree."

Families who opt for a live tree, however, should be cautious when selecting its location.

Placing the tree near heating sources, such as fireplaces, candles, stoves, space heaters or lamps is not a good idea, said Chief Fire Inspector Harold Stern.

Although live trees can mean higher maintenance, following safety guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of incident.

"People must use extreme care with the live trees because they are very volatile," said Lee. "They can destroy a home and Christmas in an instant, and we don't want that for any Tri-Command family."

Since this time of year statistically means greater risk of fires across the nation, the PIFD is taking the additional precautions.

"We can't actually go into each individual home and inspect, but we'll be riding around a lot more than usual," said Lee.

Even with the firefighters on the lookout, it is important Depot families do their part to stay safe.

"There's only so much we can do," said Stern. "We can only pass the word and hope everyone takes it to heart."

For most people, the holiday season is a time to celebrate and spread good cheer. The PIFD wants Depot families to know that this can still be done while keeping fire safety a priority.

"The potential devastation that can come from the increased risk of the holidays is two-fold," said Otterbine. "If a fire occurs, families experience the devastation not only from their loss, but also from it ruining Christmas. It only takes a few minutes to follow these few simple tips to ensure everyone has an enjoyable holiday season."

Anyone who has questions about fire safety can call the Fire Prevention department of the Parris Island Fired Department at 228-2591 or 228-4839, or log on to the World Wide Web at www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/fswy14.pdf.

Marine Corps Training and Education Command