Crime & Safety

The Holiday Season is A Fun But Busy Time for Fire Departments

White Lake Fire Chief Tony Maltese shares his holiday safety tips.

The following was submitted to White Lake Patch by Fire Chief Tony Maltese.

Now that Halloween has passed and the major holiday season is approaching, this can be the busiest time of the year. 

This is the beginning of cold weather and that means heating equipment is starting to be used for the first time in a while. We see fires every year from ignition sources such as furnaces, space heaters, kerosene heaters, and fireplaces, especially chimney fires and fires caused from items stored too close to heating devices. 

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Next we add in the holidays with all the additional decorations such as electrical lighting, wrapping papers, pine trees, ribbons, bows, etc. and don’t forget about candles. Candles set the mood; they are festive, pretty, and elegant. However, they are an open flame and an excellent source to ignite an unwanted fire. We respond to fires caused by candles more than most people know.   

Don’t forget about the medical emergencies. You know everybody is out of their normal routine. Many of us are celebrating in unfamiliar surroundings while we eat and drink more than we normally would. This is especially true for seniors. We go pick up grandma from the quiet senior apartments, expose her to some cold weather and bring her to the family gathering. Here she is exposed to all types of unfamiliar noise and obstacles. Now vulnerable, she is compelled to kiss everybody hello especially those adorable little germ factories called grandchildren or great grandchildren. Then we feed her all that great food that she is not used to but tastes so good. Don’t forget all those desserts. No wonder our medical emergencies soar during this time of the year.   

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Be aware of your surroundings this holiday season. Here are some helpful hints.

  • Make certain you have good working smoke detectors.
  • Have an extinguisher or two, and know how to use them.
  • Have your heating equipment running properly and keep combustibles a safe distance away.
  • Keep your chimney clean and clear of creosote build up.
  • If you like real Christmas trees, cut a fresh one.
  • Be careful with extension cords, decorations, and especially candles.
  • Properly attend to smoking material. Don’t discard ashtrays into a garbage bag until the next day.
  • Celebrate with moderation.
  • Be considerate of the normal routine for our super seniors.

Visit our website at wltfd.com for more information. Have a safe 2011 holiday season.


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