To help ensure a Merry Christmas and Safe Holiday season for
everyone, the following basic fire safety guidelines are suggested:
 Buy a fresh Christmas tree.
Pull on the branches to check for loose needles. If the needles
are already falling off, the tree is too dry and should not be
purchased. You should be able to roll the needles into a ball that
will spring back once they are released.
Once a tree is selected, leave it outside until it is
time to decorate it. It is a good idea to trim at
least a one-inch piece from the bottom of the tree after
purchase. This increases the tree's ability to absorb water.
Be sure the tree is securely fastened in a
sturdy holder filled with water for about 24 hours.
During the period of time that your tree is indoors, water it
regularly. Do not locate the tree in an area where it will be
subjected to intense heat, such as near a woodstove or heater. Be
careful not to block exit paths and doorways with the tree.
Use
Christmas lights which utilize lower wattage bulbs or are of the
"twinkle" type. This type generates less heat under
prolonged use. Be certain all light strings are in good condition
and operating properly. Tighten bulbs in sockets to prevent
arcing. Always follow instructions on how many string to string sets can be plugged together.
Never use candles or any open flame device on Christmas
trees.
Don't overload electrical circuits by plugging too many
cords into a single outlet. All circuits should be protected by
the proper fuse, appropriately matched to the appliances being
utilized.
Christmas lights (Indoor and Outdoor) should always be turned off when no
one is home or whenever everyone has retired for the evening.
Plug-in electric toys should be labeled by a fire safety testing agency. Don't buy highly
combustible toys or ones that use flammable liquids.
When you are
entertaining guests in your home who smoke, provide large ash
trays and check for cigarettes in upholstered furniture before
going to bed. Cigarette fires are still the leading cause of fire
fatalities in the home.
Please be careful and observe
these simple fire safety rules, and enjoy a happy holiday season.
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