Holiday Safety

By Steven A. Pollio, Fire Chief, Coconut Creek

As we approach the end of the year, allow me to wish all of you a very happy holiday season. The thought of holidays brings to many of us fond memories of family gatherings, big meals, gift shopping, and if we are lucky, some extra time off from work. If you have small children, the season can be even more exciting as we relive our younger years watching our children’s faces, as they experience the holidays for themselves. What a truly great time of the year!

I certainly don’t want to be accused of spoiling a good thing, but I do want to discuss holiday safety. Every year firefighter paramedics and police officers respond to calls for assistance. Many of these incidents result in personal injuries, property damage, and sometimes even death. What is most unfortunate is that many of these incidents could have been prevented. My hope is that by sharing holiday safety information with you, that together we might save someone from becoming a victim.

First I want to discuss holiday lighting. Many people decorate their homes and landscaping with lights. The most important thing I can do is to remind you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember, only lights approved for exterior use can be used outdoors. Most holiday lighting manufacturers limit the number of strings that can be “daisy chained” (plugging one string of lights into another string) together at a maximum of three strings. If you wish to use more than three strings, then you need to plug the fourth string directly into an electrical wall receptacle or an extension cord. When using extension cords it is important to always use heavy duty, grounded cords. When attaching cords or lights to trees, buildings, and fences, please remember to make certain that the fasteners you use do not damage the wiring. It is also most important to remember to inspect all cords and lights each year prior to using them. If your circuit breaker trips after connecting holiday lighting, please reduce the number of electrical items on that circuit, and have a licensed electrician check out the wiring.

If your interior decorations include a live tree or vegetation, please remember to water live trees often and to inspect other vegetation to prevent the plant from becoming too dry, and being susceptible to a fire caused by the heat from lights. Always remember to turn off all lights before leaving the house or going to bed. Remember, it is always a good idea to have a portable fire extinguisher in your home. I would recommend a five pound ABC type fire extinguisher which is capable of extinguishing all types of home fires. Fire extinguishers also make great gifts. If you already have a fire extinguisher, now is an excellent time to check the pressure gauge to ensure that the unit is ready for use.

Next, I would like to remind you to please drive safely. Allow additional time for all trips. Due to increased traffic caused by shopping, social gatherings, religious functions, and visitors during the holidays, we often experience increased traffic accidents. And last but not least, please remain alert for emergency vehicles that may be responding to accidents, injuries, fires or illnesses. Remember to pull your vehicle to the closest curb when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind.

On behalf of the men and women of the Margate-Coconut Creek Fire Rescue Department, allow me to again wish all of you a very happy and joyous holiday season.