As the holiday season ramps up, fire departments across the New Orleans metro area are sounding the alarm on safety to prevent potential fire hazards. In a collaborative effort, officials from the New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish, Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Plaquemines Parish, and St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1, along with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, have released a comprehensive list of fire safety tips catered to holiday festivity and winter precautions. The advice, aimed to decrease the risks associated with festive decorations and heating, was shared in a news release from the New Orleans Fire Department.
"Holiday-related activities have historically contributed to several devastating fires throughout the metro area," was a notable warning highlighted in the article published by the New Orleans Fire Department. To combat this, regional fire officials are emphasizing the importance of choosing a fresh Christmas tree and maintaining it with regular watering. Additionally, they encourage residents to carefully inspect and use proper lighting strings that are tested and labeled by recognized laboratories like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
The range of tips doesn't end with tree maintenance, as fire officials are also advising the public on safe heating practices. Residents are urged to have heating sources inspected annually by qualified professionals and to avoid using stoves or ovens as heat sources. These insights sit alongside broader safety measures, including exercising caution with electric heaters and promoting the installation of smoke alarms in key locations throughout the home.
With festivities often including outdoor lighting displays, a cautionary reminder to use dry wooden or fiberglass ladders when hanging lights is also among the provided guidelines. Officials pointed out the need to "always, to use a UL-approved three-pronged extension cord for outdoor use." The importance of waterproofing and carefully handling electrical installations is stressed, mirroring the careful approach that is advised toward other potential hazards such as kitchen safety and the use of candles. To read the full list of safety guidelines, visit the New Orleans Fire Department's statement.
