Jackson Fire Dept. shares tips to prevent holiday fires

JACKSON, Tenn. — As families decorate, cook, and stay warm this holiday season, one local fire department encourages you to stay safe.

It’s the winter holiday season, meaning lights, heaters, and a lot of family time.

The Jackson Fire Department is spreading awareness on the spike in fire-related emergencies they typically see this time of year.

Electrical fires can easily erupt when outlets are overloaded or old light strands are used.

“It’s always best to avoid using power strips or extension cords. It’s always best to plug all of your appliances directly into the socket,” said Melissa Nelson, community risk reduction specialist.

When utilizing a pre-lit Christmas tree, be sure to station it at least 3 feet away from heat sources.

“You want to make sure that you check the strands, check the bulbs. Make sure that your wires don’t have any frays, they’re not pinched up anywhere, and there’s no damage to them,” said Nelson.

If you prefer a live Christmas tree, daily watering is a must…a dry tree can catch fire within seconds.

“Make sure that your space heater has those safety features where if it gets knocked over, it’ll turn off,” said Nelson.

Nelson says heater fires are especially common during the winter when temperatures drop.

“The biggest danger is when you leave them unattended whether it’s when you go to sleep, leave the house, things like that. And most fires, in general, most fires start overnight while people are asleep,” said Nelson.

Nelson encourages residents to regularly check their home’s smoke alarms and to develop a fire escape plan.

The Jackson Fire Department offers free smoke alarms to residents as part of its ‘get alarmed’ program. You can contact them at 731-425-8350.

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