The Midland Fire Department held a press conference on Nov. 27 to give safety tips to help prevent accidents and fires during the holiday season.
According to Rocky Guzman, Fire Investigator with the Midland Fire Department, the most common incidents the fire department responds to this time of year are Christmas trees catching fire and cooking accidents. He urged residents to keep their trees watered to prevent them from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
Guzman also talked about space heater safety and recommended that the heaters be kept away from flammables and plugged directly into the wall rather than into extension cords.
When it comes to holiday lights, Guzman advised checking fire and safety ratings as well as opting for LED lights that use less electricity. Unplugging or turning off decorations when out of the house for extended periods was also recommended, as well as using timers.
To prepare for winter storms, Guzman said residents with fireplaces should stock up on firewood and to keep their fireplace maintained. This includes keeping the fireplace flue open so that smoke will not build up inside the house.
Guzman also said that checking smoke detectors and fire extinguishers regularly is important. “We recommend smoke detectors and fire extinguishers be checked every year,” he said. “Make sure they are properly pressurized, and you can take them to the fire extinguisher company to make sure they are tagged and working. With smoke detectors, change out the batteries every year.”