CDF Offers Holiday Safety Tips

San Andreas, CA — CDF says during every holiday season nationwide fires injure 2,000 people and cause more than $500 million dollars in damage.

That´s why the Tuolumne Calaveras Unit of CDF is offering some simple tips to keep families safe this year.

CDF says be aware of candles. Keep them away from kids and always extinguish them before leaving the room.

Don´t overload electrical outlets and make sure extension cords aren´t pinched behind furniture. Also don´t run extension cords across driveways or traffic areas. Outdoor lighting should be powered by waterproof wiring.

To extinguish a food or grease fire in the kitchen, put a lid on the pot or pan and for an oven fire, turn off the heat and close the oven door.

Have your chimney inspected before using the fireplace. Be sure to open the flue, use a fire screen, and burn only appropriate material.

And finally CDF says, be prepared. Test the smoke detectors and make an escape plan.

Written by Vanessa Turner.