Crime & Safety

Ask the Expert: Fire Safety During the Holidays

Briarcliff Manor Fire Department First Assistant Chief Robert O'Hanlon shares safety tips.

Tis the season for lighting candles, decorating Christmas trees and cooking feasts for the holidays.

Some holiday traditions can pose fire safety risks in the home. Patch sat down with Robert O'Hanlon, first assistant chief with the , to learn some tips to stay safe this season.

Trees and Candles

When it comes to Christmas trees, keeping them watered so they don't dry out is important, said O'Hanlon.

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"Before you put the lights on, make sure there are no bare wires and the lights work properly," he advised.

Placing the strands of light in hard-to-reach places will also help prevent people from tripping over them.

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"Make sure animals can't get to them to bite," added O'Hanlon.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), also suggets making sure your tree is far away from any heat source, such as a fireplace, vent or lights.

Candles and fireplaces should not be left unattended, according to the National Candle Association.

Cooking

When it comes to cooking your holiday dinner, avoid using ingredients that will splatter in the oven, suggets O'Hanlon.

If you do experience a fire in the kitchen, "Don't throw water on it, especially a grease fire," he said.

Instead, leave the house and call the fire department right away.

Home Safety

"CO [carbon monoxide] is a big problem this time of year with houses all closed up," said O'Hanlon.

If your carbon monoxide detector is activated, be sure to leave the house immediately. Do not stay inside to open windows.

"Get out and call the fire department," he said. "We are trained to deal with it."

And if you're planning to leave town for the holidays, leave your stove pilot on to avoid gas filling the house in your absence.

"Lower the heat down and close all the doors in case of a fire," said O'Hanlon. "This will confine it so it doesn't spread."

Holidays or not, experts recommend keeping a fire extinguisher in your home year-round in case of emergencies, as well as working smoke detectors (change batteries at least once a year).

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