By Steve Marler
San Juan County Fire Marshal
Now is the time to be sure that your holidays will be safe and free of a devastating fire.
Business owners who plan to decorate their shops should remember a few simple safety tips: Limit the use of extension cords. Don’t run cords under carpets or put them where they may be damaged. Be sure that extension cords and electric circuits are not overloaded. Choose living or non-combustible decorations. If your business is equipped with fire sprinklers, do not attach any decorations to the sprinklers. Make sure that decorations do not obstruct exits, circuit breaker panels or fire extinguishers.
At home, consider a living or artificial Christmas tree. Don’t leave holiday lights on or candles burning when you’re sleeping or not at home. If cooking a traditional holiday feast, remember that most home fires start in the kitchen.
More information is available from the U. S. Fire Administration at https://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm.
The San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office is tasked with maintaining the fire safety of our beautiful County. Fire prevention services are provided throughout the entire County through a cooperative agreement between the fire protection districts based on Orcas, San Juan, Lopez and Shaw Islands.
