GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With the holiday season finally here, police are reminding West Michiganders to keep safety top of mind—including everything from preventing fires to securing your home while you travel.
In Grand Rapids, the top three causes of housefires are unattended cooking; improper disposal of smoking materials; and having a heat source too close to flammable materials or electrical issues.
The Grand Rapids Police Department said you should keep these things in mind to avoid fires:
- Stay within proximity of your kitchen when cooking, especially when using your stove for frying or boiling food. Don’t let yourself become distracted as a stove or oven fire can lead to a kitchen fire beyond your ability to control.
- If smoking occurs in your home, make sure you have non-combustible ashtrays to safely discard all smoking materials. Metal or glass ashtrays are recommended, likewise discarding ashes or cigarette / cigar butts on or near natural vegetation can lead to a fire. Don’t throw them into planters or potted plant containers.
- Alternative heating methods, such as space heaters, are a competent source of ignition. Keep them away from combustible materials including drapes, furniture, clothes, and bedding. Turn heaters off when you retire for the evening.
- Instead of open flame candles, consider LED devices, especially if you have children or pets.
- Natural vegetation, such as wreaths, Christmas trees, and center pieces for tables should not be allowed to dry out and become more susceptible to fire. Keep trees watered. If branches snap when bent and/or needles are shedding it is time to remove it from your home.
“It’s all about community risk reduction and educating our citizens about fire incidents that we have responded to,” said Grand Rapids Fire Marshal Bill Smith.
In addition to fire safety, the East Grand Rapids Police Department is encouraging people to stay alert around the holidays:
- Don’t leave your home when cooking food in the oven and check on it frequently.
- Be careful driving Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday, Nov. 27), which is a popular bar night. Coordinate a designated driver if you plan to drink alcoholic beverages.
- Be mindful of Gobble Wobble race participants 8-10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28).
- If you plan to travel for the holidays, remember to lock up your home, outbuildings and vehicles. Remove all valuable items from your yard and car and store them inside your house or garage, including bikes and toys, yard equipment and power tools. Leave outside lights on and consider a timer for indoor lights. Share travel plans with a trusted neighbor.
