By Charlie Tyson
Staff Writer
While the film Home Alone has cemented the idea of Christmas crime into popular culture, Carrboro’s holiday season offers less break-ins and slightly less slapstick, with the town’s fire-rescue department reporting a quiet season so far.
However, along with colorfully wrapped gifts and time spent catching up with friends and family, the holidays also bring unique safety concerns in the form of Christmas trees, holiday lights and kitchen appliances.
Carrboro Fire Marshal Rob Maddry recommended that residents take precautions to address these holiday-specific issues.
“Anytime we’re talking about Christmas season and Christmas trees, people need to be particularly careful,†Maddry said. “Make sure to buy a fresh tree to begin with, and cut off a couple inches from the bottom and soak it in water. Keep it watered until it’s out of the house.â€
Holiday lights present a different set of obstacles. Maddry emphasized the importance of using products that comply with safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and similar product-safety certification organizations.
To avoid problems with heaters and kitchen appliances, Maddry urged residents to follow manufacturer’s instructions “to the letter.†Turkey fryers, he said, have proven to be a big potential hazard around the holidays.
“This time of year, it seems like a lot of people are frying turkeys. Those turkey fryers need to be used outside only,†he said.
As for fireworks, a popular New Year’s Eve tradition, Maddry warned that unapproved devices could bring explosive consequences for the unsuspecting consumer.
“North Carolina has fairly strict consumer firework regulations,†he said.
As a result of these laws, fireworks purchased from out-of-state venues should be examined to ensure they don’t violate North Carolina statutes. Illegal fireworks can be confiscated or result in a fine or citation.
To avoid these issues, Maddry recommended buying fireworks in state.
“Firework providers in state are inspected, and those products are safe,†he said.
To protect homes from break-ins over the holidays, residents should take a number of precautions, especially if they are traveling.
Residents who are leaving their homes over the holidays should ask a trusted neighbor to look in on their houses and bring in any packages or mail. In addition, residents should put their lights on a timer so it appears someone is home.
For more information or holiday fire-safety tips, visit the Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department website, carrborofire.org