Thoughts From the Sheriff
It is hard to believe that the year is quickly coming to an end and the holiday season is upon us. Everyone here at the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office wishes you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season. This month, I wanted to give some home safety tips for the season so everyone can enjoy the festivities without any major incidents.
This time of year, there seems to be a Christmas tree inside nearly every home. Whether you have a real tree or an artificial one, fire hazards do exist with them. Always remember never place them near a heating source such as a fireplace, space heater or anything that gives off heat. Real trees, in particular, can become very flammable if they are allowed to dry out. You should always have a base that can hold at least a quart of water per inch of the tree trunk base at all times. Tree fires within the home are not that common, but when they occur, can be very disastrous.
With Christmas trees come Christmas lights. Don't overdo lights whether on a tree or elsewhere. By rule of thumb, never connect more than three strings of lights together. Too many lights in one series can overload outlets and cause them to overheat. With new LED lights, this is not quite as much of a concern as with standard lights, but caution should still be used. Also, make sure you are using the correct lights if you are hanging them outside. Make sure they say on the packaging or the UL label that they are for outdoor use.
Candles are another common fixture during the holiday season. They can add a nice ambiance to your home, but it can also present a fire hazard. It is estimated that close to 50% of house fires are started by candles. If you are using one, keep it at least 12 inches away from anything combustible. Do not leave them burning if you go to bed or leave your home. Make sure the candle is extinguished completely before leaving it unattended. Make sure the wick of the candle is trimmed down to approximately ΒΌ inch to prevent a larger flame or have the risk of the burning wick falling off and starting a fire. You should only burn your candle for an hour for every inch of the candle diameter to allow for even wax melting. For example, if you have a four-inch diameter candle, you should not let it burn for more than four hours.
If you have a wood burning fireplace in your home, only burn logs. Do not burn wrapping paper, cardboard boxes or any evergreen boughs as they can cause a large number of sparks that can get thrown onto your floor or through the chimney and on to the roof. It can also cause a buildup of creosote that can cause a chimney fire. On top of that, materials such as wrapping paper and some boxes can give off hazardous fumes that can cause health problems. As with candles, do not leave your wood burning fireplace burning overnight if you are sleeping unless this is your main source of heat and you have protective measures in place. It is also wise to have your chimney inspected on a regular basis by a professional.
Another important safety reminder is to make sure your walkways are clear of snow and ice. Whether you are having family and friends coming over or you are staying home, falls can easily happen if your sidewalk or steps are ice covered and slippery. This time of year, carrying presents and other large items for the holidays into your home can pose a risk of slipping and falling due to it being difficult to see where you are stepping. Removing ice and snow from where you will be walking can greatly reduce your risk of falling and being injured.
If you are going to be leaving for the holidays, make sure your home is secure. Let neighbors or friends know you will be gone and ask them to watch your place to prevent someone from breaking into your home. Lock up any firearms in your home and make sure not to leave valuables in plain sight. There are always people scouring social media to see what other people are doing, so be careful not to advertise your plans to everyone on the internet that you are going to be gone. Wait until you return home to post any pictures you may have taken of your adventure.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope for a safe and happy New Year. Be sure to share your blessings with others and take the time to remember those less fortunate. We have such wonderful and caring people in our county and that is what makes it such a joy to serve this community.
If you have questions that you would like answered or any suggestions, please email me at darin.halverson@clearwatercountymn.gov or call the Sheriffs Office at 218-694-6226. You can also find us on Facebook by searching for Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office.
Thank you and as always, I am honored to serve as your Clearwater County Sheriff.