ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The holidays are a great time for friends and families to get together but also mean a greater fire risk.
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“It is a horrible memory to have around the holiday every year if you have a horrible burn injury in your family,” Dr. Howard Smith, the Burn Services Director at Orlando Health, said.
Large celebrations, sparkling lights, and winter greenery are holiday season staples.
However, they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one.
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“Unfortunately, one of our biggest problems is the trees catching on fire and having house fires as a result,” Dr. Smith said.
If you purchase a live tree this year, Dr. Smith recommends keeping it fresh, trimmed, and watered.
He said to check that the strings of lights and extension cords are all working properly and to be mindful of where you place the tree in your home.
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“You have a little perimeter, maybe with presents around it, so people aren’t tripping over the tree, kids aren’t running around the tree all the time, and the pets, things like that,” Dr. Smith said. “That’s why keeping it in a corner is good.”
Of course, large gatherings are popular this time of year. Dr. Howard said this poses an increased risk of burns in the kitchen.
“Most common things are scold injuries,” Dr. Smith said. “From kids pulling things off of the stove, or spilling hot liquids, contact burns from the stove.”
Beyond just the holiday season, he said to ensure your home is fire-prepared.
“You want to make sure that you have working smoke detectors, fire alarms, that type of thing,” Dr. Smith said. “So, if something happens in the middle of the night, you’re warned and able to get out of the house.”
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