Christmas Tree Fire Hazards - Movie segments demonstrating
how fast a live Christmas tree can become fully engulfed in
flames. 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 woodburning 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 Christmas 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 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
Christmas 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.
