As families gather to celebrate the holiday season, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) is urging residents to keep fire safety in mind while decking the halls and preparing festive meals.
“The holidays bring joy, but they also bring increased fire risks,” said Fire Chief Percy Golden II. A few simple precautions can prevent tragedy and ensure your family stays safe throughout the season.”
JFRD offers these reminders to keep your family safe and merry this season:
- Christmas Tree Safety: Water real trees daily. Dry trees can ignite in seconds. If needles snap instead of bend, the tree is too dry. Keep trees at least three feet from all heat sources and remove them immediately after the holidays.
- Candle Safety: Never leave candles unattended and keep them at least 12 inches from flammable materials. Use sturdy, tip-resistant candle holders or consider battery-operated LED alternatives.
- Cooking Safety: Never leave cooking unattended, especially during holiday meal preparations. Keep flammable items away from the stovetop. Never use water on grease fires. Instead, smother it with a lid or use a fire extinguisher. Keep outdoor cooking appliances, including deep fryers, at least 10 feet away from your home and never leave them unattended.
- Holiday Lighting Safety: Inspect all light strands before use and never overload outlets or extension cords. Turn off holiday lights when you leave home or go to sleep. Use only outdoor-rated lights for exterior decorations.
- Lithium Battery Safety: Use only manufacturer-approved chargers and never charge devices overnight or leave them unattended. Stop using batteries that are swollen or damaged immediately. Store and charge e-bikes outside if possible.
- Space Heater Safety: Maintain at least three feet of clearance on all sides of space heaters. Never leave them running when sleeping or away from home. Plug directly into wall outlets only and ensure emergency shut-off features work properly.
In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
About Jacksonville Fire and Rescue
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) serves more than 1 million residents across 840 square miles of Duval County. With 1,900 personnel operating from 68 stations, JFRD responds to over 150,000 calls for service each year, including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and technical rescues. To learn more, visit myjfrd.com.