Home (and fire!) safety for the holidays
Thanksgiving is almost behind us and if you’re not an early decorator (no judgement!) then you might be dragging out holiday bins and gearing up for a seasonal overhaul. Hate to be a buzzkill to your festive spirit, but we love ya, k? And we know the last thing you want is your hard work to go up in flames… literally.
To help us cover all the holiday safety pro-tips, we went to an actual pro, Fire Chief Pascal Arnes of the Decatur Township Fire Department. See what he has to say below!
…and a note to all readers who love a real tree: Chief Arnes does not. We swear he’s not a Grinch, but he does want to caution on the dangers they present.
We’re all busy during the holidays. What is your #1 must-do for fire prevention and safety this season?
Do not use space heaters unless you absolutely have to. If you do, ensure they are at least 3” from combustible items, and never place them near or around Christmas trees. Also do not heat your home using other unconventional heating methods such as a kitchen range.
Chief Arnes encourages you to please seek assistance if you are unable to heat your home safely.
LOOKING FOR MORE HOLIDAY TIPS?
Expert Laura Neville of Gifted Co. has you covered.
We know to keep an eye on candles, the stove, and to unplug the tree before bed...what are we missing?
Overloaded electrical outlets, not utilizing additional lights, and other holiday-enhancing electrical devices properly and according to manufacturer’s recommendations (such as placing too many strands of lights in a row).
Real Christmas trees will become dry over time and need to be watered regularly.
Have UL-listed carbon monoxide detectors installed in areas that the manufacturer recommends. CO is colorless, odorless, and extremely dangerous to everyone in the household. Know the signs and symptoms that CO causes.
Check the smoke alarms and ensure that they are working properly.
Create safe areas for pets and younger children, especially around electrical devices, candles, and trees.
Chief Arnes also warns: Pets cam chew through extension cords, jump onto areas with lit candles on them, or accidentally knock over a tree. Children could get electrocuted or pull a tree over, becoming trapped or injured.
What common holiday item or tradition will we never find in your home due to its potential for danger?
A real Christmas tree. Over time they dry out and become a concern due to the large fire load the present.
What can we do today to prepare for a safer holiday season?
Maintain household furnaces, by ensuring that filters are changed and that units are running efficiently.
Ensure that walkways, driveways, and other areas of travel are clear of ice and snow. Falls due to icy conditions can be extremely dangerous and affect people of all ages.
Have a plan in place in the event of severe weather such as an ice storm that causes loss of power. Be prepared to sustain the cold weather for several hours or days. Know where heating shelters will be located and how you will get to them. If heating shelters are not available, consider relocating to stay with family or friends until power is restored and it is safe to return.
Chief Arnes says to prepare with a backup power source, a kit with food, water, spare batteries or portable chargers, flashlights, and other necessary items (such as medications, important documents, and phone numbers of close family and friends).
Ensure that when having to shovel snow you are physically capable. Many people suffer cardiovascular events, muscle sprains and strains, and hypothermia emergencies while completing this task.
Have appropriate items and gear in your vehicle in case you get stranded or stuck.
Chief Arnes suggests blankets, snacks, a small shovel, a flashlight, phone chargers, and the right clothing to sustain a long duration (several hours) in adverse conditions.
If you do opt for a real tree, remember to keep it well-watered and tucked away from the many hazards that arrive with the holidays (no, we don’t mean your in-laws). Now go forth and deck those halls - safely!
Fire Chief Pascal Arnes
Decatur Township Fire Department
Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Board Member
Chief Arnes has been at the Decatur Township Fire Department for 24 years. He was promoted to Fire Chief in 2014 and had previously held the position of Division Chief of Fire Prevention since September 2006 with his primary responsibilities in fire prevention, fire investigations, and public education. Chief Arnes has degrees in Fire Science and Public Administration and an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana. He is a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and a Certified Fire Explosive Investigator (CFEI) and a member and the past chairman of the Marion County Arson Task Force and the Indiana Safety Educators. He is also a National Fire Academy Graduate and alumnus. He has served as the Central Indiana Representative for the Indiana Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and is a member of the District 7 Incident Management Team with responsibilities as both an Operations Section Chief and Logistic Section Chief. Chief Arnes is an FDIC H.O.T. Instructor and a former member of Indiana Task Force 1. Chief Arnes is also heavily involved with the Hoosier Burn Camp in the Logistics Section. In addition, he has been an IMPD Reserve Officer since 1998. Currently, he is assigned as a Sergeant of an IMPD motorcycle squad and assists in the arson unit as a backup detective.
