Avoiding Fire and Burn Dangers This Holiday Season

The holidays can be a festive time to celebrate with friends and family, but also a time with increased fire risk in our homes. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital, the state’s only burn center, is providing some simple ways to keep you and your family safe this holiday season.

“Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source,” said Jason Bresky, RN, CBRN, trauma and burn injury prevention and outreach coordinator.

Preventing Christmas tree fires

As you deck the halls this season, follow these tips:

• Keep your tree and other combustible decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
• Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up and throw away any strands with pinched or frayed wires.
• A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast; keep your tree watered and get rid of it soon after Christmas or when it is dry.

Christmas is the peak day for candle fires. To avoid a problem:

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that could burn.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
• If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.

You should also practice fire safety and prevent burn injuries in the kitchen by keeping a three-foot kid-free zone around the stove. Always keep an eye on what you’re cooking, and never leave a hot surface unattended.

If you do find yourself with a burn injury, a minor burn can be treated at home by keeping the area covered and protected with an antibiotic ointment.

“Many people think it’s best to leave a wound open to air to let it dry out, but a wound heals best in a clean, moist environment,” said Alisa Savetamal, MD, director of The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital.

If a burn is more severe, or seems to be getting worse, seek treatment.

The last tip for a safe holiday season is to ensure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and that everyone in your home, including overnight guests, knows how to escape when an alarm sounds.