Stay safe this holiday season: Fire prevention tips for JBSA families

The winter holidays are a time for family, friends, and festive decorations, but they also increase fire risk. By following some simple safety tips, you can ensure a joyous and fire-free holiday season.

Holiday Fire Facts

• Nearly half of all home decoration fires in December are caused by candles.
• More than 20% of Christmas tree fires are caused by heat sources placed too close to the tree.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

• Opt for Safe Decorations: Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.

• Candle Safety: Keep lit candles away from decorations and anything flammable. Blow out candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Light Use: Some lights are designed for indoor or outdoor use only—check before using.
• Inspect and Replace Lights: Replace any string of lights with worn cords or loose connections. Follow manufacturer instructions for connecting multiple strands.
• Tree Disposal: Dispose of real trees after Christmas or when they become dry. A dry tree can be highly flammable.
• Light Hanging: Use clips instead of nails to hang lights, preventing damage to the cords.

Space Heater Safety Tips

Cold weather often calls for additional heating, but portable space heaters require extra caution:

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable, including people.
• Choose the Right Heater: Look for models with a thermostat and overheat protection.
• Plug Safely: Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet—never use extension cords or power strips.
• Auto Shut-Off Feature: Use heaters with an automatic shut-off in case they tip over.

General Holiday Safety

• Always turn off light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
• Keep an eye on candles and extinguish them when not in use.

For more information on fire safety, visit the National Fire Prevention Association at www.nfpa.org/education. For local assistance, contact your JBSA Fire Prevention Office:

• JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: 210-221-2792
• JBSA-Lackland: 210-671-2921
• JBSA-Randolph: 210-652-6915

Let’s work together to ensure a happy, safe, and fire-free holiday season for everyone at JBSA!