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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
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Beware of purchasing devices with dangerous, uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Un-certified lithium-ion batteries are illegal in New York City.
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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.
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Not all products sold online are certified. Carefully read the product listing, website, and operating manual.
Christmas Trees
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When picking a tree, shake it to check for dryness. If too many dry needles fall, choose a fresher tree.
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Cut trees 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree to help keep it fresher longer.
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Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source.
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Add water to the tree stand and water the tree daily.
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Dispose of the tree immediately after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Dried trees pose an increased fire hazard.
Decorations and Lighting
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Choose decorations that are flame resistant, flame retardant, or created with noncombustible materials.
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Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, and power strips.
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Turn off all lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
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Use lights and electrical decorations that are stamped with the UL symbol.
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Inspect new and used lights before using them. Replace strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
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Read the instructions to learn the number of light strands you can safely connect.
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Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
Candles
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Use sturdy candle holders with flame-protective, non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.
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Place candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, blinds, kitchen cabinets, and bedding.
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Place candles out of reach of small children and pets.
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Extinguish candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.
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Never leave burning candles unattended.
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Securing hair and clothing, such as sleeves or aprons, from the flame when handling candles.
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Keeping candles, matches, and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children
Cooking
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Don't leave food cooking unattended; Stand by Your Pan!
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Keep the area around the stove clear of anything that could burn (paper towels, papers, potholders, etc.)
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Cook with indicated temperature settings. Refrain from using higher temperature settings.
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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
Poison Prevention Newsletter
September 2025
The week of September 21-27, 2025 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week. It's important to take steps to reduce the risk for falls at home and learn how to manage medications safely.
Falls Prevention Safety Tips
In NYC, falls are a leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalization for older adults.
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Almost half of all falls occur in the home. You can improve safety at home with simple fixes like securing electrical cords, keeping walkways clear and making sure you have adequate lighting at night. Use the Home Safety Checklist to fix hazards at home.
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Physical activity has many health benefits. Muscle-strengthening and balance activities are especially helpful for preventing falls. Click here to find examples that can help reduce your risk.
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Take care of your feet and wear proper footwear, even at home. Wear shoes with a firm, nonslip sole and speak with your health care provider regarding any painful foot problems. Learn more here.
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Your risk of falling goes up if you have trouble seeing clearly or hearing well. Visit an eye doctor once a year for a comprehensive eye exam, and have your provider check your hearing regularly. Learn more here.
This month is also a good time to review your medications. Certain medications, including those that affect your brain, heart or blood sugar levels, can increase the risk for falls. Since medicines affect each person differently, always speak with your health care provider or pharmacist about steps to take to reduce your fall risk. Check with the NYC Poison Center about side effects and potential drug interactions of both prescription and nonprescription medicines.
Medicine Safety Tips
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Keep track of your medicines, use a Medicine List Card and review it regularly with your health care providers and pharmacist.
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To keep track of your medication throughout the day, use a multi-dose pill box or Medicine Communication Log. Post this in a visible place in your home.
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Call the NYC Poison Center any time at 212-POISONS (212-764-7667) to ask questions about medicines including dosing, side effects, interactions and safe disposal. Learn more here​​​​​​
Free September Webinars
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The NYC Health Department's Education and Community Partnership Unit and Poison Center offer FREE virtual multilingual workshops about medicine safety, falls prevention, home safety and more. All participants receive a certificate. The full schedule and the links for registration can be accessed here
