Editorial-Dec. 1, 2005

Make sure holiday display is put up safely

By: Mae Rhine
   We can all learn a lesson from the mishap at the Columbia firehouse Friday night.
   Firefighters were putting up the annual holiday display on a metal pole on the roof when the pole fell across the three main power lines in front of the building.
   The result was a short of power lines that cut electric to half of Lambertville and a portion of nearby West Amwell Township.
   JCP&L representatives arrived a short time later, the pole was removed safely, one line was repaired, and power was restored.
   But that wasn’t the end of the problem. When power was restored, the high voltage traveled down the pole to a steel plate, which attached it to the roof. It began to smolder — undetected — until fire broke out in the front of the building.
   Within minutes, there were smoke and flames. Columbia firefighters were still in the building and moved fire engines to safety. Then they started to fight the fire, which sat stubbornly between the roof and the suspended ceiling of the second-floor meeting area.
   But lots of help arrived, and the fire was put out with a minimum of damage.
   We agree with Columbia President Orville Tillett, who said "there is a lesson to be learned by everyone" from the mishap.
   He cautioned all residents to be "very careful" when putting up holiday decorations, particularly near live electric wires.
   He also pointed out ladders and other metal objects conduct electricity, which can cause fires and cause severe injury or death.
   So, while putting up your holiday display, make sure everything is done safely. Check for frayed wires, make sure outlets aren’t overloaded, and stay far enough away from power lines, among other precautions.
   We don’t want to see another accident occur.