Before Auld Lang Syne, find ye olde fire exit

In the dash to prepare for a party, it’s easy to get our priorities wrong. Because the three top causes of home fires are also common party activities, working smoke alarms are more important than a clean house.

“At a holiday party, you’ll typically find cooking and candles, and often smoking,” says State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl. “Add some alcohol, an overcrowded space and a blocked emergency exit, and you have a potential disaster.”

When you entertain in your home, Rosendahl urges you to consider these fire safety tips:

· Watch cooking carefully.

· Clear the areas around candles and fireplaces.

· Keep the numbers down.

· Make sure your smoke alarms are working.

· After the party, check couch cushions, decks, planters and other areas where smoldering cigarettes may have been dropped or half-extinguished.

If you choose to party in a bar or restaurant, remember these important safety factors:

· A safe establishment keeps fire extinguishers where bartenders and wait staff can reach them readily.

· Exits should have lighted signs and none should have furniture or other objects preventing a quick escape.

· Responsible business owners limit crowd size to legal occupancy.

“Statistically, fires are no more common at parties than elsewhere, but it’s clear that more fires take place during the holidays,” Rosendahl says. “So my advice is to keep your priorities straight. With a clear exit path and a clear stovetop, have a great New Year’s Eve.”