Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Dear Neighbors,

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to keep safety at the forefront of our celebrations. This year, I want to remind everyone in the Inland Empire about the potential fire hazards that can arise during this festive time and offer tips for protecting your home and loved ones.

Thank you to everyone who joined my Natural Disaster Preparedness: Telephone Townhall last week. Our community is no stranger to natural disasters, and fire season is always a concern, especially during the dry winter months. That’s why I was honored to have experts from San Bernardino discuss fire safety, emergency preparedness, and resources available to help keep our community safe.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

#1 Decorate Safely

Use fire-resistant or flame-retardant decorations. Look out for a label stating “fire resistant or flame resistant, and check for a certification seal from a recognized testing agency; if unsure, contact the manufacturer for specific details about the material's fire resistance properties.

#2 If using a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and watered daily.

Choose a stand that can hold at least one quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Make sure the water level doesn't drop below the base of the tree. Replace the water that the tree uses each day. Before putting the tree in the stand, cut off about 1/2-inch from the trunk. Use lights that produce low heat, like miniature lights, to reduce drying. Use a spray bottle to mist the branches and needles once a day to prevent them from becoming brittle. Plain tap water is all you need!

#3 Keep trees, candles, and other decorations away from heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, and stoves.

#4 Inspect holiday lights before use to check for frayed wires or broken bulbs.

#5 Avoid overloading electrical outlets, and unplug lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Know your circuit breaker and fuses. Electrical safety regulations allow you to load up to 80% of the breaker's amperage rating. Don't plug too many high-ampere appliances into one outlet. Limit the use of extension cords and multi-outlet converters. Plug major appliances directly into a wall outlet, not into a power strip. Don't connect multiple power strips together. Consider using energy-saver appliances.

#6 Safe Cooking Practices

Don't leave the kitchen while cooking! Keep anything that can catch fire, such as food packaging, oven mitts and towels away from your stove top. If you see smoke or the grease boils, turn off the burner immediately. If the pan catches fire, cover it with a lid or baking sheet to put out the fire. Don't remove the lid, as the fire could start again. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so they can't be bumped or pulled over.

#7 Never turn on a gas generator inside your home.

Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless, and can kill you in minutes. Connecting a generator directly to your home's power supply can cause a surge that could injure or electrocute you or others. Generators should be placed outside, away from buildings, doors, windows, and vents.

Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your house and downwind from any buildings. Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms inside your home. Connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. Don't operate the generator near open doors and windows.

You can also consider using an indoor generator, which is designed to be used inside and can power your household appliances.

Candle Safety Tips

#1 Never leave burning candles unattended. Consider using battery-operated LED candles for added safety.

Candles are an open flame, which can easily catch fire to surrounding objects if not carefully monitored. A gust of wind, a pet, or a child could accidentally knock over a burning candle, causing a fire.

#2 Place candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces and keep them away from flammable materials.

#3 Check Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm can significantly reduce your risk of dying in a home fire by providing early warning, making it crucial to ensure they are functioning properly at all times; this means testing them monthly and replacing batteries at least once a year, as dead batteries are a primary cause of alarm failure.

#4 Have a fire escape plan in place and review it with your family.

Earthquake Tips

#1 Secure your space

Secure heavy and breakable objects on low shelves, and anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.

Use bolts to secure large furniture like bookcases, cabinets, and dressers to the floor. Use L-shaped brackets or seismic straps to secure wall-mounted shelves and bookcases to studs. Use earthquake-resistant brackets to secure these items to studs, counters, or hardwalls. Make sure cabinet doors and drawers are latched so that their contents don't spill out. Use nylon straps to allow tall objects to sway without falling over. If furniture is placed on a tatami-mat floor, use a wooden board to provide stability. Large furniture should not be placed near a bed or other sleeping area. Large and heavy furniture should be arranged on the ground floor so that it doesn't block escape routes.

#2 Make a plan

Create a family emergency communication plan with an out-of-state contact, and plan where to meet if you get separated.

#3 Prepare a supply kit

Include enough food and water for several days, a flashlight, a fire extinguisher, a whistle, and extra batteries and charging devices. You can also include a first aid kit, clothes, blankets, and sleeping bags.

Gather enough water for several days, non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a first aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, and consider adding essential medications, personal hygiene items, copies of important documents, and a map of your area.

#4 Practice

Practice "drop, cover, and hold on" with family and coworkers.

1. Drop
Get down on your hands and knees. If you're using a wheelchair or walker, lock the wheels and stay seated

2. Cover
Protect your head and neck with your arms. If there's a sturdy table or desk nearby, crawl underneath it. If there's no shelter, crawl next to an interior wall.

3. Hold
Hold on to your shelter or position until the shaking stops. If you're under a table or desk, be ready to move with it if it shifts.

Emergency Resources

As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s also give ourselves the gift of safety. By following these tips, staying informed, and preparing ahead of time, we can ensure a safe and happy holiday season for our families and community.

Warm Regards,

OFFICE LOCATIONS

WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE
2227 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6161
Fax: (202) 225-8671

ONTARIO OFFICE
3200 Inland Empire Blvd., # 200B
Ontario, CA 91764
Phone: (909) 481-6474
Fax: (909) 941-1362