[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/holiday-burn-fire-safety-tips\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/holiday-burn-fire-safety-tips\/","headline":"Holiday Safety Tips: Preventing Burns and Fires","name":"Holiday Safety Tips: Preventing Burns and Fires","description":"Are you keeping your Christmas tree well-watered to prevent an unexpected house fire? Learn about holiday burn and fire safety from the experts at UPMC.","datePublished":"2014-12-21","dateModified":"2021-11-19","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Fire-Safety.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Fire-Safety.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/holiday-burn-fire-safety-tips\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Safety"],"wordCount":588,"keywords":["911","burn safety","chemical fire extinguisher","Christmas","fire","flame burns","hot food","hot oil","house fire","Jenny Ziembicki","scald burns","UPMC Mercy Burn Center","winter"],"articleBody":"Count to three. That\u2019s how long it takes for a dry Christmas tree to go up in flames.In fact, the sap found in natural Christmas trees is combustible, creating a serious fire hazard for your home during the busy holiday season. It can take as few as 10 seconds for a tree fire to spread \u2014 and less than one minute for a home to be destroyed in a house fire.Fortunately, fires during the holiday season can be prevented. For starters, keep your tree watered and clear of potential fire hazards, such as open flames.At the\u00a0UPMC Mercy Burn Center, medical director\u00a0Jenny Ziembicki, MD,\u00a0and her staff of burn specialists see an increase in burn patients during the holidays.\u201cIt\u2019s unfortunate but true,\u201d Dr. Ziembicki says. \u201cThere are so many hazards people are unaware of this time of year that can cause serious burn injuries.\u201dHow to Prevent Burn Injuries During the HolidaysHandling Hot Food Items During the Holiday SeasonTypes of related burns include:Flame and splash burns from cooking with hot oilSpilling hot water, food, or grease from the ovenHot chocolate burnsCrock pot burnsBurns from hot cookie traysTips for Avoiding Food-Related BurnsWhenever working with hot food and liquids, ensure the cooking area is free of obstacles and distractions.Use oven mitts when handling hot items.Always have a plan for where you will place a hot item so you can avoid extended contact.Test the temperature of liquids before serving.Grease Fires While CookingMake sure that everyone working in or helping out in your kitchen is aware of how dangerous hot grease can be.Ensure pot handles are turned toward the middle of the stove to avoid accidental spillage.If a grease fire occurs, turn off the heat source.If the fire is contained to a pan or pot, cover it with a lid or cookie sheet. Never attempt to extinguish with water.Do not attempt to move the pan to the sink or outside. If the grease fire is not contained to a pot, a chemical fire extinguisher can be used. If you are unable to safely extinguish the fire, evacuate and call 911.Home Safety During the HolidaysSome examples of safety related burn injuries include:Christmas tree firesMouth burns from children chewing on Christmas tree lightsHouse fires in homes without working smoke detectorsFurnace explosionsTips to Prevent House FiresKeep natural trees watered and away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and candles.Inspect lights for damage and frayed wires.Do not overload electrical outlets.Never leave lights or candles unattended. Monitor children\u2019s activities and educate about the dangers surrounding flames and electrical sources.Change the batteries in your smoke detectors at a minimum of annually.Have your furnace inspected and cleaned annually.Risks Associated with Space Heaters and FireplacesSome examples of injuries related to space heaters include:Falling face-first into space heaterSleeping too close to space heaterComing in contact with the glass door of fireplaceComing in contact with a space heaterExplosion of fireplace with burns to face and chestIf a burn injury occurs, stop the burning process quickly. Remove any clothing or substance involved in the burn injury. Cool the area immediately with cool water.Do not apply ice, ointment, or other home remedy. Apply a dry dressing and present to the emergency department for evaluation.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 21, 2014, and was last reviewed on November 19, 2021."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Holiday Safety Tips: Preventing Burns and Fires","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/12\/holiday-burn-fire-safety-tips\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]