Enjoy A Fire-Safe Holiday Season

 
The holidays are a wonderful time of year, unless tragedy strikes! Decorative lights, candles and Christmas trees can become fire hazards this time of year. Remember, fire safety starts with you.
 

 

Do you want this tree in your home?	Or This ONE?
	Click the link below to view a video segment from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that depicts the rapid ignition and burning of a dry christmas tree. Christmas Tree Fire

Candles:

• Keep candles away from Christmas trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, presents and wrapping paper and all other flammable or combustible material.
• Place candles in a sturdy fire-proof candle holder where they cannot be knocked over.
• Make sure all candles are snuffed out before leaving the room, going to bed or leaving the house.

  Tree Care:

• Choose a fresh tree with a natural, deep-green color and flexible needles.
• Cut off about two inches of the tree trunk at an angle to expose fresh wood for better water absorption.
• Water the tree initially and every day thereafter with a solution of 1 part table sugar and 4 parts tap water to produce a fire retardant tree. An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the tree, a seal will form on the cut and the tree will not be able to absorb any more water.
• Keep the tree away from all sources of heat, such as heaters and fireplaces, to preserve its freshness. Miniature lights are a safer decoration choice than standard sized lights. The cooler miniature lights do not dry the tree needles as quickly.
• When the needles get brittle or dull and begin to fall from the tree, it is time for the tree to go back outside.

  Lights:

• Use only lights that are UL approved. Check every set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections before using. Throw away anything that is not in perfect condition.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and cause an electrical shock hazard. Use colored spotlights as an alternative.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your lights to determine the number of light strings that may be safely used in one circuit.
• Always turn off tree lights and lighted decorations before you go to bed or leave your home.

Woodstove/Fireplace Safety:

• Remove all greens, boughs, paper, and other decorations to a distance of at least 6 feet from the woodstove/fireplace area.
• Make sure the flue damper is open and the flue is free of soot and tar build-up.
• Use a fireplace screen at all times when a fire is burning in the fireplace.
• Do not burn wrapping paper, boughs or trees in the woodstove or fireplace. The extreme heat and numerous sparks can start a flue or chimney fire that may spread to the attic or the roof.

General Fire Safety

• Keep candles, matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
• Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, preferably outside each sleeping area and in each bedroom.
• Make a family home fire escape plan and practice it with the whole family.
• Keep escape routes clear of clutter so you can escape quickly in case of fire.