RICHMOND—As the year’s end draws closer, holiday celebrations, savory feasts and festive displays can be fully enjoyed with preventive safety measures.

“Just a few precautions to prevent fire and injury can keep your home and family safe during the upcoming holidays,” advised Scott DeNoon, vice president of underwriting and policy services for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “This includes testing smoke alarms, and ensuring flashlights, fire extinguishers and electrical decor are ready for use.”

To stay safe while trick-or-treating, the Virginia Department of Health advises families to wear reflective clothing, carry a fully charged flashlight, and make sure costumes don’t block vision or inhibit mobility. Use crosswalks, and stick to the sidewalks whenever possible. Or walk on the far edge of the road, facing traffic.

Motorists also should be extra vigilant on Halloween night by observing speed limits and limiting distractions during increased pedestrian activity.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the source of most home fires in the U.S. Thanksgiving is by far the leading day for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unattended cooking is the primary factor contributing to cooking fires and casualties.

Arlington County Fire Department advises:

• Always stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling or broiling food.
   
• Check food regularly while simmering, baking or roasting, and use a timer.
   
• Keep flammable items and children away from the stovetop.
   
• Small grease fire: Smother it by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop.
   
• Oven fire: Turn off the oven and keep the door closed.
   
• In case of a kitchen fire: Close the door to help contain the fire. Call 911 from a safe place outside.

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually, with 33% of those occurring in January, according to National Fire Prevention Association. The longer a natural tree is kept after Christmas, the higher the fire risk.

Smyth County Public Safety advises placing trees away from heat sources, and using only nonflammable decorations. Inspect lights for frayed wires or defects before use, and do not leave lights on unattended. Keep the stand for a fresh-cut tree full of water, and discard a dry tree immediately.

When purchasing new lights designed for outdoor use, the American Safety Council recommends cool-burning LED lights from a reputable manufacturer. Plan lighting displays around available light sockets, plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, outlet. Do not overload sockets or connect more than three strands of incandescent lights.

Media: Contact DeNoon at 804-290-1379.