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Corona NY 11368
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Winter holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones but also a prime time for fires to occur.  More than one-third of home fires occur during the months of December, January, and February. It's important to celebrate safely. Here are some safety tips to make sure you and your loved ones can be #FDNYSmart this holiday season:

 

Shop Smart When Purchasing Gifts

• Beware of purchasing devices with dangerous, uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Un-certified lithium-ion batteries are illegal in New York City.

• Only buy certified lithium-ion batteries and devices stamped with the UL symbol. Certified lithium-ion batteries have been tested to meet national safety standards.

• Not all products sold online are certified. Carefully read the product listing, website, and operating manual. 

 

Christmas Trees

• When picking a tree, shake it to check for dryness. If too many dry needles fall, choose a fresher tree.

• Cut trees 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree to help keep it fresher longer.

• Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source.

• Add water to the tree stand and water the tree daily.

• Dispose of the tree immediately after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Dried trees pose an increased fire hazard.

 

Decorations and Lighting

• Choose decorations that are flame resistant, flame retardant, or created with noncombustible materials.

• Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, and power strips.

• Turn off all lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

• Use lights and electrical decorations that are stamped with the  UL symbol.

• Inspect new and used lights before using them. Replace strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

• Read the instructions to learn the number of light strands you can safely connect.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

 

Candles

• Use sturdy candle holders with flame-protective, non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.

• Place candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, blinds, kitchen cabinets, and bedding.

• Place candles out of reach of small children and pets.

• Extinguish candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Securing hair and clothing, such as sleeves or aprons, from the flame when handling candles.

• Keeping candles, matches, and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children

 

Cooking

• Don't leave food cooking unattended; Stand by Your Pan!

• Keep the area around the stove clear of anything that could burn (paper towels, papers, potholders, etc.)

• Cook with indicated temperature settings. Refrain from using higher temperature settings.

• In the event of a pot or pan fire, turn off the heat and cover it with a lid. Do not use water! It could cause splashing and spread the fire.

 

To help raise awareness throughout the holiday season, we encourage you to share these tips along with the public service announcement in the links below: Fire Commissioner PSA

 

Additionally, throughout the upcoming week, our FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit will be located throughout New York City, sharing educational tips. Please share the location of our team with your constituents, and for more safety tips, please visit www.fdnysmart.org 

 

Thursday, December 12, 2024

3-7pm 

Pathmark

1525 Albany Avenue  

Brooklyn NY 11210

 

Friday, December 13, 2024 

3-7pm 

Bronx Terminal Market

610 Exterior Street

Bronx, NY 10451

 

Saturday, December 14, 2024 

12-4pm 

Brooklyn Public Library Sunset Park Branch 

4201 4th Avenue 

Brooklyn NY 11232

 

Sunday, December 15, 2024:

12-4pm 

Mall at Bay Plaza/Bay Plaza Shopping Center

200 Baychester Avenue 

Bronx, NY 10475

 

Monday December 16, 2024

3-7 pm 

Kohls

2239 Forest Ave

Staten Island 10303