Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Christmas and Holiday Safety

Like that old favorite Christmas song by Andy Williams says, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!  The CVFD wants to help keep it wonderful by offering these safety tips about decorations and general fire safety.

When decorating: Never use lighted candles near trees, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item.  When displaying a natural tree, cut about two inches off the trunk and place the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand.  Keep the tree well watered so it does not dry out quickly – dry branches can catch fire from the heat of light bulbs.  Check the water level regularly!  If you use an artificial tree, chose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant.  Kids are curious and will want to play with the ornaments on the tree, so you might as well prepare. Move the ornaments that are breakable or have metal hooks towards the top of the tree. That makes room at the bottom for the ones that are safer for young kids, especially as far as choking hazards.

Never overload an electrical outlet!  Modern LED lights consume much less energy than traditional incandescent lights.  Having too may incandescent lights plugged into an outlet can cause the circuit and/or cords to overheat.  Always use UL approved extension cords with the proper electrical current capacity.  Always follow manufacturers instructions.

When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder. Don’t stand on chairs or other furniture. Always keep three points of contact with a ladder– two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand. When using a ladder, use one with slip-resistant feet and wear clean, dry and slip-resistant shoes.

Keep holiday candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and don’t forget to blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep.  Make a habit of placing matches and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach.  Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys.

When cooking: Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of kitchen fires is unattended cooking?  Thanksgiving ranks at the top of the list for home fires involving cooking equipment with three times the average number, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.

Stay in the kitchen when cooking so you can keep a close eye on the food, especially when frying and sauteing with oil.  When cooking a meal that takes a long time like roasting a turkey or baking a roast, check it frequently.  And a timer is your friend.  Use one to help remind you there’s something cooking.  Be alert and focused when cooking. It’s easy to get distracted when there is a lot of activity around you.

When driving: The roads are very busy during the holidays.  Watch out for distracted drivers and pedestrians, even in parking lots.  Make sure every passenger has a seat belt, car seat or booster seat.  (CVFD is an official Child Safety Seat checking station)

Everybody needs their own restraint.  Make it a rule: everyone buckled, every ride, every time, whether it’s the long trip to visit family or around the block to the store.

Expect the unexpected on the road!

Merry Christmas from the CVFD!

Help Support Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Donate Securely through PayPal

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Colington Fire District Map
  • Department Officers and Members
  • How Can I Volunteer
  • Fire and Life Safety Education
    • Fire Prevention Week
    • Fire and Life Safety Overview
    • Smoke Alarm Information
    • Take Our Home Fire Safety Checklist Challenge
    • Grill Safety
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Fireworks Safety
    • Lightning Safety
    • Christmas and Holiday Safety
  • Child Safety Seat Checking Station
  • Weekly BINGO
  • Insurance Rating, Class 3
  • Reflective Address Signs
  • Our Apparatus
  • Incident, Training and “Off-Duty” Pics For You To Enjoy
  • Fire Fighter Of The Year awards
  • Open Burning Permits / Recreational Fires
  • Buy A CVFD T-Shirt or Hat
  • Annual Call Volume
  • Links
  • Contact Us

Current Map

Twitter Feed

  • RT @NC_OSFM: Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for U.S. home fires. If you're hosting overnight guests… Time ago 38 Days via Twitter for Android
  • RT @NWSMoreheadCity: The projected highs for Christmas Day will be the coldest highs on Christmas Day since the late 90s or early 2000s. Do… Time ago 38 Days via Twitter for Android
  • RT @NC_OSFM: Happy Halloween! Commissioner Causey urges families to follow these safety tips: 👻 Wear clothing that can easily be seen at ni… Time ago 90 Days via Twitter for Android

Follow @colington_vfd on twitter.

Facebook Feed

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Cover for Colington Volunteer Fire Department
2,891
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Colington Volunteer Fire Department

The Mission of the Colington Volunteer Fire Department is to improve the quality of life for residen

Colington Volunteer Fire Department
1 week ago
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

A cool video about a cool copter. Dare Med Flight. ... See MoreSee Less

Video image
View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 5
  • Shares: 5
  • Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Colington Volunteer Fire Department
2 weeks ago
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Sending a big Happy Birthday to one of our awesome Volunteer Firefighters, Wesley McNaughton! We're glad to have you on our team. ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 29
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 8

Comment on Facebook

Happy Birthday Wesley!!!

Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎁

Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎉

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday 🎂🎊🎈

Happy birthday

Happy birthday

View more comments

Colington Volunteer Fire Department
3 weeks ago
Colington Volunteer Fire Department

Happy Birthday to one of our newest career firefighters, Jesse Whiddon. Thank you for being a valuable part of the CVFD team. Have a great day Jesse! ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook
· Share
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email
View Comments
  • Likes: 30
  • Shares: 0
  • Comments: 8

Comment on Facebook

Thank you Jesse and Happy Birthday....

Happy Birthday Jesse!!

Happy Birthday!🎂🎉🎈

Happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday!🎉🎂🎈

Happy Birthday 🎉🎊🎁

Happy birthday

Happy Birthday 🎂🎉🎈

View more comments

Load more

2022 Monthly Calls

MonthEMSFire
Jan4515
Feb3810
Mar3517
Apr4014
May5519
Jun4411
Jul4520
Aug3817
Sep3318
Oct4311
Nov355
Dec4217
Total493174

2021 Monthly Calls

MonthEMSFire
Jan4415
Feb487
Mar4711
Apr6326
May3812
Jun4828
Jul4224
Aug4621
Sep4512
Oct5112
Nov5114
Dec4810
Total571192

Contact Information

Colington Volunteer Fire Department
108 Schoolhouse Rd
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Follow Us

Phone

Emergency: 911
Phone: 252.441.6234

Weather Forecast

Kill Devil Hills, NC
46°
sunny
52% humidity
wind: 3mph W
H 46 • L 42
46°
Sat
49°
Sun
48°
Mon
46°
Tue

Member Links

  • Member Login
  • Member Only News
  • Store
  • Account
  • Reflective Address Signs
Site proudly maintained by the Colington Volunteer Fire Department
Site designed and hosted by FireCompanies.com

Copyright © 2023