Residents Reminded of Holiday Hazards

Fire experts are reminding New Hyde Park residents to be extra careful about the hazards the holiday season can bring.

The New Hyde Park Fire Department offers advice on electrical safety, especially in winter when people are indoors more often and more outlets are in use.

“This holiday season, some homeowners will use older electric light strands with frayed wiring or broken bulbs, or bring dry Christmas trees into their homes,” said chief instructor John Murray of the Nassau Firefighters Museum & Education Center. “These are all fire hazards, and during this time of year, we tend to see an increase in the number of house fires.  We urge homeowners to use caution and observe basic safety tips to ensure that these remain truly happy holidays.”

Among safety tips are:

• Maintain Your Holiday Lights
  Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. If old lights look frayed and worn, throw them out. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory - Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
  Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Be Careful When Using Candles
  If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked over.  Never leave candles unattended. Always keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Use Only Non-flammable Decorations
• Never Put Wrapping Paper near a fireplace or other heat sources