Winter and the holiday season are among us. It’s a time for families and friends to get together. It’s also the time of year where homes are at greater risk for fires. Increased amounts of family cooking, decorating and harsh winter weather all contribute to the increased risk.

By following these helpful tips, you can keep yourself and your family safe throughout the season:

• Keep a 3-foot “safe zone” around all heaters and fireplaces.
• Have your heating system tuned up each year.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Don’t try to thaw pipes or spigots with heat guns or blow torches. Heat can build up inside the walls and start a fire.
• Use caution when driving in cold temperatures or adverse weather conditions.
• Keep a winter emergency kit in your car that includes blanket, gloves, shovel, etc. See wsdot.wa.gov for a detailed list.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Keep lit candles away from anything that can burn & make sure they are in a sturdy, fireproof holder. Blow out candles when you leave a room.
• Make sure Christmas trees, real or fake, are at least 3 feet from heat sources.
• Add water to real Christmas trees daily. Dispose of trees after Christmas or when dry.  
• Never use the stove, oven or BBQ as a source of heat.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.
For more winter safety tips, visit www.lsfire.org/publications_brochures. Lake Stevens Fire wishes you a safe and enjoyable winter.

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