By JANE SHARP

crescent@crescent-news.com

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... brightly decorated trees, cozy fireplaces, soft candlelight. Special touches that help to create memories of the holidays that last a lifetime. However, their improper use can lead to tragic results.

According to the United States Fire Administration, at least 500 people each year die as a result of a fire caused by Christmas decorations, Christmas trees or candles. The number of fires resulting from the use of candles increases fourfold during the holiday season.

One of the most common mistakes people make when using candles is "burning a candle on the lower shelf of multiple shelves," said Ney Fire Chief Doug Morrison. The heat gets trapped in the confined space and in many cases the shelves are varnished, which acts as a really effective accelerant," he said.

Another dangerous and common practice according to Morrison is overloading electrical outlets, or using a lightweight extension cord which isn't designed to be a source of power for several things at once, or for an extended period of time.

Stringing extension cords across a room and under furniture can also be hazardous. "An extension cord run under a heavy, piece of furniture can easily become overheated and start a fire," said Morrison.

Often in order to accommodate the addition of a Christmas tree, furniture gets temporarily rearranged. Morrison pointed out the importance of making sure that fire exits are not blocked by either the rearranged furniture or the tree.

Morrison also stressed the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions for lighting. Only lights specifically designed for outdoor use should be used outside. "Lights designed for indoor use are not waterproof, so if they get wet they can easily short out and cause a fire," he said.

"The most important thing to remember if there is a fire," said Morrison is to get out of the house and don't go back in for any reason."

Napoleon Fire Chief Robert Bennett agrees that the improper use of candles can be very dangerous. "Only use candles that are placed in heavy glass jars," he said, "don't use candle sticks, they aren't very stable and domestic pets can easily knock them over."

Using lights on an artificial tree is "fairly safe" according to Bennett. "If using a live tree, however, it is really important to make sure that it is fresh cut. Keep it well immersed in water, and as soon as it begins to drop needles it's time to get it outside," he added.

Another easy way to reduce the risk of fire from Christmas tree decorations according to Bennett is to "plug items directly into a wall outlet as opposed to stringing out extension cords one into the next in a daisy chain."

With the holiday season comes colder temperatures which often mean frozen water pipes. "Using a blow torch or a space heater to unthaw them can be a dangerous fire hazard," said Bennett, "instead use a warm air system such as a hair dryer and never leave it unattended."

Heating systems of all types should be regularly cleaned and serviced. "One important safety measure is to make sure chimneys are clean and free of smoke and carbon buildup," said Bennett.

Wood burning stoves require some extra maintenance in order to keep them working efficiently and safety. It is important to use the proper type of wood. Wax logs and most sawdust logs are made for open hearth fireplaces not for wood burning stoves. Sawdust logs that are made of 100 percent compressed wood are safe to use. Logs should not be stored near the stove.

The stove and chimney should be kept clean and free of creosote build up. Creosote is formed by unburned wood gas and is highly combustible. Ashes should be removed form the stove on a regular basis and placed in a medal container with a lid. The container should be kept outside on a cement or brick surface. There should never be smoke or the odor of smoke inside a house with a wood burning stove. As with any type of heating system it is important to have functioning smoke detectors located throughout the home and a fire extinguisher within easy access.

"Every home should have a fire extinguisher, and smoke alarms in every bedroom, and on every floor of the home" said Bennett, "a carbon monoxide detector is also a good idea," he added.

"The best Christmas gift you can give your family is a smoke alarm," said Defiance Fire Chief Mark Marentette. "If two of the last three house fires in the city had occurred at night when people were sleeping I believe there would have been a real potential for tragedy," he said.

The Defiance Fire Department is offering smoke alarms free of charge to area families and Marentette encourages residents to take advantage of the opportunity. "We even provide batteries," he said.

Marentette said that one of the biggest hazards he sees when it comes to holiday decorating is decorations left plugged in when unattended, especially decorations plugged into extension cords. "Extension cords aren't designed to be used on a permanent basis," he said, "decorations should not be left plugged in overnight or when you are away from home," he said.

Candles left burning unattended or near flammable material presents another "potential for tragedy" according to Marentette. "The recent death of a mother and her children in a house fire in Toledo was caused by a candle," said Marentette.

"Many auxiliary heating units are not designed for indoor use and can be a dangerous fire hazard or a source of deadly carbon monoxide if used in the home," said Marentette. "Carbon monoxide is as much a danger as is fire," he said. "With the increased cost of heating, we are seeing an increase in the use of auxiliary heating systems, which can be extremely dangerous if not used properly," he said.

According to Marentette one of the best safety precautions is to, "read and follow the manufacturers guidelines verbatim.

"If anyone has a specific question about fire safety please call us," he added.

For more information on keeping the holidays safe and happy visit the Ohio Fire Marshal's website at www.com.state.oh.us.