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Red Cross Continues Relief Work With Recent Disaster Clients Citizens Are Being Urged to Fireproof Their Homes for the Holidays

Worcester, MA, November 29, 2000 - As Red Cross disaster volunteers and paid staff continue to work with the 57 residents left temporarily homeless by the recent rash of home fires here in Central Massachusetts, they are urging the public to keep fire safety in mind to ensure that the upcoming Holiday Season is not spoiled by property destruction, injury or tragedy.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 600 fires per year have been started by ignition of Christmas trees, causing an average of 33 deaths, 117 injuries and $23 million in direct property damage. "One of the thrusts of the American Red Cross is to provide people with preparedness and injury prevention skills," said Nicole Valentine, Spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. "We are hoping these simple tips will raise awareness of how to prevent injuries, prevent loss of property and save lives so that people can enjoy the holiday season."

Here are some simple precautions the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts is urging individuals to consider this Holiday Season:

  • Keep all portable heaters at least three feet away from flammable items. Turn off space heaters before leaving a room or going to sleep. Also, use only manufacture recommended fuel in portable kerosene heaters. Shut down and cool off such equipment before refueling.
  • If you celebrate the holidays with a live Christmas tree, find a fresh one and give it water regularly. Also, keep the tree away from any heat sources or exits. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as flame retardant.
  • Purchase only UL approved lights. Never use frayed or damaged strings or mix indoor or outdoor lights. Also, unplug lights before going to sleep each night or leaving your home.
  • Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords; use a circuit (power) strip.
  • Keep a tight-fitting screen on your fireplace and obtain a professional inspection annually before usage. Have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis.
  • Never burn holiday wrappings, a discarded Christmas tree or its branches in your fireplace. Dry Christmas trees burn very hot and extremely quick. The fire could ignite your carpet or nearby window coverings. Also, a Christmas tree is very oily and could damage your fireplace.
  • Beware of Holiday Lighting - Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept away from decorations or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters, out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows or near exits.

Red Cross paid staff and volunteers will continue to work with each of the families displaced by the recent fires until all of their emergency needs have been met. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, a gift from the American Public. Since July 1, the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts has responded to 43 local disasters and has provided emergency assistance to over 300 clients.


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