Tips for having a fire-safe holiday Published Dec. 6, 2007 By John Gilmore Assistant Fire Chief for Fire Prevention MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Heating Hazards: Space Heaters: Keep anything that can burn at least three feet (one meter) away from stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, and portable heaters. Keep space heaters and portable heaters at least three feet away from walls. If you have a space heater in a base facility (not family housing) and it has not been inspected by the fire prevention office, it must be before you can legally use it. Central Heating: Change your furnace filters at least four times a year, and inspect and clean the furnace once a year (before the heating season begins) or whenever you suspect a problem. Call housing maintenance at 452-7351 if service is needed. Fireplaces: Keep fireplace fires small and always use a fireplace screen to prevent sparks from flying into the room. Do not leave children alone in a room with a fireplace fire. Never burn trash or paper in a fireplace; burning paper can float up your chimney and onto your roof or into your yard. Remove ashes in a metal container and store them outside. Celebrating with Children: Matches and Lighters: Use only lighters designed to be child resistant, and keep all matches and lighters out of children's reach - up high and preferably in a locked cabinet. Teach older children how to light candles and fireplace fires safely, and supervise them carefully. Party safety: Use only flame-retardant or noncombustible materials for costumes and decorations. Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip ashtrays, and keep an eye on anyone who is drinking and smoking. Empty ashtrays often - wet their contents before dumping them. After the party, check cushions and furniture for smoldering cigarette butts. Lights and candles: Electric Lights: Be sure all indoor and outdoor holiday lights bear the label of an independent testing laboratory (UL). Throw away any set of lights that is cracked, has frayed cords, or loose or damaged sockets. Do not overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters. Be sure extension cords aren't pinched behind or under furniture, and unplug all decorative lights before leaving your home or going to bed. Never use electric lights on a metal Christmas tree. Candles: Put candles in non-tip candle holders and light them when they are securely in their holders. Never burn candles near a Christmas tree or decorations or displays. Keep candles well away from curtains and other combustibles, and never put candles in windows or near exits. Don't leave candles burning unattended or within the reach of small children. Extinguish candles before you leave a room or go to bed. REMINDER: Candles are not authorized for use in dormitory rooms, transient living facilities, hotels, visiting officer's quarters or base facilities except those authorized by 341SWI 32-2001. (This does not apply to military family housing). Christmas Trees: Choose a fresh-cut Christmas tree. If you're not cutting it yourself, buy a tree that's not shedding its needles. Install the tree in a large, deep non-tip stand well away from fireplaces, exits and heat sources. Be sure your tree has a constant supply of water - check the level daily. Remove your tree promptly if it becomes dry. Store it well away from your home until you can dispose of it. If you use an artificial tree, ensure that it is self-extinguishing or fire resistant. REMEMBER: Live Christmas trees can not be used in base facilities. (This does not apply to military family housing.) Questions about fire safety for the holidays should be directed to the fire prevention office at 731-4100 or 731-4836.