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Each
year fires occurring during the holiday season
injure 2,000 individuals and cause over $500
million in damage. According to the United Sates
Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple
life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe
and happy holiday. By following some of the
outlined precautionary tips, individuals can
greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday
fire casualty.
PREVENTING
HOLIDAY TREE FIRES
Special
fire safety precautions need to be taken when
keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree
can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly
gases.
Selecting a Tree
for the Holiday
Needles
on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull
back from the branches, and the needle should not
break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk
should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be
identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the
ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has
been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is
a fire hazard.
Caring for Your
Tree
Do not
place your tree close to a heat source, including
a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out
the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by
heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or
flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your
live tree up too early or leave it up for longer
than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with
water at all times.
Disposing of
Your Tree
Never
put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning
stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it
promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is
by taking it to a recycling center or having it
hauled away by a community pick-up service.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Maintain
Your Holiday Lights
Inspect
holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare
spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked
sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before
putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an
approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload
Electrical Outlets
Do not
link more than three light strands, unless the
directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of
lights to an extension cord before plugging the
cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically
check the wires - they should not be warm to the
touch.
Do
Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended!
HOLIDAY
DECORATIONS
Use Only
Nonflammable Decorations
All
decorations should be nonflammable or
flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put
Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can
throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical
buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
Artificial
Holiday Trees
If you
are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure
it is flame retardant.
CANDLE CARE
Avoid Using Lit
Candles
If you
do use them, make sure they are in stable,
noncombustible holders and place them where they
cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the
house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit
Candles on a Tree
Do not
go near a holiday tree with an open flame -
candles, lighters or matches.
Finally,
as in every season, have working smoke alarms
installed on every level of your home, test them
monthly and keep them clean and equipped with
fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to
call for help. And remember to practice your home
escape plan. |
