Margate Fire Department recommends taking holiday fire safety precautions

Be safe this holiday season.

MARGATE - The Margate City Fire Department is recommending residents take precautions to protect their families during the holidays. Fire Chief Dan Adams recommends following a few simple tips to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday Decorating:

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose UL certified decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.


• Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations and other things that can burn.


• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.


• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.


• Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect.


• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.


• Keep decorations away from windows and doors that could block exits.

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.


• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk.


• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.


• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.


• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.


• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.


• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect.


• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.


• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Holiday Entertaining:

• Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.


• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.


• Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.


• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.


• Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.


• Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.


• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.


• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay 3 feet away.


• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.


• Keep the floor clear so you don't trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks, or bags.


• Keep knives out of the reach of children.


• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.


• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children up high in a locked cabinet.


• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.


• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.