Columbia Community Unites to Enhance Fire Safety During the Holiday Season

Columbia Community Takes Steps to Combat Holiday Fires

Hello Columbia! In the midst of all the holiday cheer, we must not overlook an important safety concern that’s knocking at our doors—fire! Yes, it’s true! While we deck the halls with boughs of holly, home fires can increase during the colder months. Just the other day, on December 11th, disaster struck for a family on Howard St. when their home was damaged by a fire. Luckily, the American Red Cross was quick on the scene, providing a helping hand.

Support After the Flames

Thanks to the incredible team of disaster-trained volunteers, the affected family of four is receiving much-needed support. The Red Cross is stepping in to provide financial assistance that caters to immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. It’s heartwarming to see communities come together during such testing times, and this family is benefitting from referrals to additional resources they might need as they navigate this challenging period.

Yolanda Gainwell, interim CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina, reminds everyone that home fires are a real threat to our communities not just in Columbia but across the state. In fact, the Red Cross responds to an average of six home fires every single day! And did you know that home fires increase by a staggering 30% during the colder months? That means it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about fire safety during this festive season.

Keep the Holiday Spirit Safe

With the holidays in full swing, our homes are filled with lights, candles, and decorations. To keep the holiday spirit alive and safe, the Red Cross has shared some important tips that every family should consider:

• Always keep candles away from anything that could catch fire and out of reach of pets and kids. Don’t leave burning candles unattended!
• When setting up holiday lights, double-check those cords! Ensure they’re not frayed or damaged and stick to no more than three strands of lights together—safety first!
• If you’re thinking of getting a live tree, pick a fresh one and keep it well-watered. Test the freshness by bending the needles; if they fall off, that tree is too dry.

Stay Warm, Stay Safe

As temperatures drop, many of us turn to space heaters for that extra warmth. However, be cautious! According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters often cause home heating fires. Here are some key pointers to ensure safety:

• Choose a solid, nonflammable surface for your space heater and never leave it unattended.
• Plug the power cord directly into an outlet, avoiding extension cords.
• Make sure to turn off the heater whenever you leave the room or go to bed.
• And keep everything flammable at least three feet away from it—yes, that means kids and pets too!

How You Can Help

So, Columbia, while we embrace the holiday spirit with warmth and joy, let’s also remember to be vigilant about fire safety. Together, we can help keep our communities safe and sound.