CCHHS and Chicago Fire Department Offer Fire Prevention Tips for the Holiday Season

The Cook County Health and Hospitals System and Chicago Fire Department are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe this winter. Dr. Stathis Poulakidas, Chair of Burn Surgery at CCHHS' John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital and Commander Walter Schroeder of the City of Chicago Fire Department shared tips about preventing fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and frostbite, injuries that occur most commonly in the winter months.

Here are some steps you can take to stay safe this winter:

• Inspect holiday lights and décor. Do not put up decorations with defects, like frayed wires.

• Do not overload electrical outlets. Only plug one power strip into a double outlet at a time and do not plug a power strip into another power strip.

• Use battery-operated/ flameless candles instead of traditional candles. If flame candles are used, place them in stable holders away from flammable materials and in a location where they can't be knocked down.

• Never leave a space heater, stove or flames unattended or going overnight to prevent fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. This includes candles, fireplaces, or food being cooked. Give heat sources a clear three foot radius to prevent nearby items from catching on fire.

• Install and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure there is an alarm on every floor of your home and replace batteries annually.

• Clean and inspect chimneys annually.

• Live Christmas trees should always have plenty of water and be displayed away from heating sources and candles.

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially if frying, broiling or grilling food.

• Keep children away from the kitchen when cooking, and point pot and pan handles inward to prevent accidental spills.

• Never put water on a grease fire. If a small grease fire breaks out, cover it immediately with a pot, baking pan or baking soda. If the fire is not contained, evacuate your home right away.

• Keep a working fire extinguisher in your home.

• To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, wear multiple layers of thin clothing, keep hands and feet warm and dry and cover your face as much as possible. Be on the lookout for signs of hypothermia, like confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.

• Don't forget to check on family, friends and neighbors during cold snaps. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.

"While people are cooking for holiday parties they may be wearing a pendulous dress or something that could catch fire over the open flame of a stove. Be very cautious with that," said Dr. Poulakidas. "And make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Having that early warning of a fire and a fire escape plan can help keep your family safe."