Savannah Fire Wreath Provides Holiday Safety Reminder
SAVANNAH, GA (Monday, November 26, 2018) – Savannah Fire wants every family to have a fire-free 2018 holiday season.  During the 2017 holiday season there were 23 structure fires in Savannah, which resulted in one death, two temporary business closures and more than a dozen people displaced from five residences. That was an 18% decrease from 2016. By practicing simple fire safety steps, we can further reduce the number of holiday structure fires in 2018.
Savannah Fire is releasing fire safety tips throughout the 2018 holiday season and hanging a fire safety wreath outside Savannah Fire headquarters at 121 E. Oglethorpe Ave.

The wreath is decorated with green bulbs representing the department’s goal of zero fires between November 19, 2018 and January 2, 2019.  Each time a fire occurs a green bulb will be replaced with a red bulb. The wreath serves as a reminder to be fire safe. The public is invited to follow the fire safety tips and help keep the wreath green. For fire prevention tips and information throughout the holiday season visit Savannah Fire on Facebook, on Twitter@savannahfire, and online at www.savannahfire.org. For a free smoke alarm, holiday fire safety talk or home fire safety survey, homeowners should call 912-651-6756.

Candle Safety 
Use stable candle holders
Never leave burning candles unattended
Use flameless and LED candles
Place candles where they won’t be knocked over by pets
Keep candles 12 inches away from anything flammable
Keep matches, lighters & candles away from children
Blow out candles & turn off decoration lights at bedtime
Cooking Safety
Don’t use the stove while sleepy or consuming alcohol
Keep anything flammable away from your stovetop
Never leave the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food
If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stovetop
Carry a pot holder as a reminder that food is in the oven
Set a timer to check food on the stove and in the oven
Always stand watch over a turkey fryer
Always completely thaw a turkey before frying
Check manufacturer’s directions on turkey fryer oil levels
Use turkey fryers outside,10 feet away from buildings
Never use a turkey fryer under an awning or carport
Holiday Lighting Safety
Use clips, not nails or staples, when hanging lights
Don’t leave lights up more than 90 days
Do not use lights with loose, damaged or missing bulbs
Read manufacturer’s instructions on connecting light strands
Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires
Don’t use outdoor lights inside
Fireplace Safety
Have fireplaces inspected and cleaned of before using
Use a fireplace screen
Only burn seasoned wood
Never burn wrapping paper
Holiday Decor Safety
Water fresh trees daily
Immediately discard dry trees
Keep fresh trees at least three feet away from heat sources
Make sure  artificial trees are flame-retardant
Make sure your tree does not block exits
Use flame resistant decorations
Cut the base of natural trees at a 45 degree angle
Unplug Christmas tree lights when watering your tree
Spray unplugged, live trees with water each day
Home Safety 
Test your smoke alarms
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home
Test all smoke alarms monthly
Replace smoke alarm batteries
Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old
Practice a home fire escape plan
If you smoke; use large, deep ashtrays & smoke outside