In a matter of seconds, a holiday can be ruined by flames. The Chicago Fire Department reminded the public of the importance of fire safety during an annual holiday fire demonstration.
"It doesn't take long for a fire, once it starts, to take off," said Annette Nance-Holt, Chicago Fire Department Commissioner.
The annual event aims to raise awareness of fire hazards during the holidays. Home fire risks increase during the winter season. Each year, nearly 156,000 fires in the U.S. occur during the winter holiday season claiming nearly 630 lives, according to FEMA.
"When we know better, we do better," said Nance-Holt.
CFD officials demonstrated how quickly a fire could spread while sharing tips on how to stay safe. Nance-Holt says the first thing you can do during a home fire is get out of the house immediately, call 911 and let the professionals put it out.
Other tips include checking to see if your home has a working smoke detector as well as a carbon monoxide detector. Officials say it's also an important time to get your furnace inspected, if you use other means, like space heaters, plug your devices directly into the wall. Never use your oven or stove for heat.
As you decorate for the holiday season, CFD emphasizes not to connect multiple extension cords together. If you buy a live Christmas tree, Nance-Holt said, make sure it's cut two inches from the bottom and water it daily away from heat sources. Whether your tree is real or fake, remember to always turn the lights off when leaving your home or going to sleep.
