FIRE OFFICIALS GIVE SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
ATLANTIC CITY - The Atlantic City Fire Department is providing people with tips to make sure they have a happy and safe holiday season.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in South Jersey as many local residents are decorating their houses and picking out their Christmas trees.
The Atlantic City Fire Department is looking to make sure while.....Continue Reading
everyone is safe, they are also cautious during when decorating their homes.
"Several points during my career I actually responded to Christmas fires," said Dennis Brooks, Chief of the Atlantic City Fire Department. "It's a heartbreaking experience to see someone's house destroyed during the holidays from a Christmas tree or some careless mistake."
That's why he is highlighting certain things people should make sure to monitor when decorating their trees.
"With extension cords you should never overload, that's just a simple fact," said Brooks. "Christmas lights, you should never turn them on and leave the house and you should always be home when your Christmas tree lights are on. If you have a real tree make sure you water it," Brooks said.
Mark Newcomb, the owner of the Panderosa Christmas Tree Farm in Galloway Township stresses the importance of watering real trees to all those who purchase one from his farm.
"If the tree does stat to dry out, which it will eventually when you start getting into the end of January into February, a dead tree will start to dry out so make sure you take it down," said Newcomb.
Many locals looking for trees on Saturday said they are aware of the dangers and make sure to watch their trees closely.
"I like to keep it by the window where its cold and make sure I keep a lot of water in it, and use smaller lights so its not too hot and dries the tree out," said Mark Stanton from Barnegat, NJ.
"Water the tree a lot, check the lighting, use outdoor plugging for outdoor lights, and just keep on eye on them," said John DeCataldo from Smithville, NJ.
It's not just trees that officials are warning people about during the holidays. Brooks is also urging people to be mindful of their cooking habits as well.
"Statistics show every year there are 90 civilian injuries, 300 house fires, and $10 million dollars in property damage just due to deep fried frozen turkeys," Brooks said.
Deep fried Turkeys have become a very popular tradition in the last 10 to 15 years according to Brooks. He said the best way to cook one safely is to do it outside on the grill once the turkey has thawed out.
