It may be the most wonderful time of year, but the festive season offers no holiday from potentially deadly home fires.  That’s why the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District encourages residents to take a few simple precautions that go a long way towards preventing fires from happening in the first place:

Christmas Trees

• Select only fresh trees that are deep green in color and have a strong scent of pine.
• Water trees regularly.
• Verify that artificial trees are flame retardant.
• Keep all trees away from fireplaces or heating vents.

Lights

• Buy and use only UL-listed lights.
• Discard any lights with frayed or worn cords, broken or cracked sockets, loose connections, bare wires, or ones that operate intermittently.
• Never use indoor lights outdoors.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets. Use a maximum of three sets of lights per single extension.
• Do not run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
• Unplug lights when you leave home and before going to bed.

Candles

• Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, books and curtains.
• Use candleholders that are sturdy, won’t tip over easily, are made from materials that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
• Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.
• Avoid using candles for light during power outages. Use flashlights instead.

Cooking

• Remain in the kitchen when frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food.
• Clean up food or grease that may accumulate on burners and stovetops.
• Turn off stovetop burners when leaving the room – even for a short period of time.
• Use a timer when simmering, baking, or roasting food.
• Wear clothes with tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.

For more information, contact the BCFPD at 224-848-4800 or visit its Facebook page.

Happy Holidays!