Great Bend Post
Nov 26, 2024

Great Bend Fire Chief: Fire safety tips througout the holidays

Posted Nov 26, 2024 10:00 PM

By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post

When Fire Prevention Month rolls around each year in October, one of the main fire concerns that firemen try to educate children on is the danger of a grease fire, or kitchen-related fire.

While these kitchen fires are still prevalent, Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith said reasons for fires will vary throughout the year. One precaution to look at this time of the year are fires caused by electrical mishaps.

"We respond to a lot of electrical fires, poor maintenance on your electrical system," said Smith. "Sometimes it's not necessarily poor maintenance, it's just older systems that needed upgraded. Extension cords can be an issue too."

Other holiday-related fire safety tips include:

- Don't use more than three strings of lights on one extension cord
- Keep decorations away from windows, doors and heat vents
- Some Christmas gifts include lithium-ion batteries, which can catch fire if not used properly
- If you have a real tree, make sure you water it daily and keep it away from heat sources