Christmas Tree Safety

A real tree can add to the spirit of the holiday season by filling your home with beauty and the scent of pine. But a real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Adhering to the following tips will make for a safe and fun holiday season.

The leading types of equipment involved with the ignition of a Christmas tree are lights, cords and plugs.

• Use lights that have been approved by a testing laboratory. (UL)

• Never use lights on a metal tree.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use tree lights.

• Discard any lights with wiring that is frayed, broken or cracked.

• Always unplug tree lights before leaving home and prior to going to bed.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire retardant.

• Choose a sturdy tree stand to prevent the tree from falling over.

• Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water. Do not purchase a tree that is dry and dropping needles.

• Choose a safe location for your tree. Do not block exits and keep it at least three feet away from heat registers and radiators.

• Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them and don’t allow them to play with the wiring, lights or ornaments.

• Store matches and lighters up high, out of reach of children. Preferably lock the lighters and matches away.

• Extension chords are for temporary use only. When not in use UNPLUG IT.

• DO NOT burn your tree in your fireplace. Dry trees burn very hot and extremely fast.

• Dispose of your tree when it starts loosing its needles. Remove it from your home. Do not store it in your garage or place it against the house.

Candle Safety

• NEVER leave a candle unattended.

• Keep candles away from items that can catch fire, such as clothing, lampshades, books, paper, Christmas trees, decorations, window blinds and curtains.

• Keep candles away from high traffic areas where they can be knocked over.

• Place candles on a stable surface in non-combustible candle holders that will firmly grip the candle and not allow it to tip over.

• Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.

• Use extreme caution when carrying a lit candle.

• Do not burn candles longer than the manufacturer recommends.

• Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.

• Keep wax pool free of trimmings.

• Place lighted candle at least 3 inches from one another.

• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

Turkey Fryers

• Follow the manufacturers guidelines.

• Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance from buildings and any material that can burn.

• Never use turkey fryers on wooden decks or in garages.

• Make sure fryer is on a flat surface.

• Never leave the fryer unattended. If you don’t watch the fryer carefully, it may overheat and catch the oil on fire.

• Never allow children or pets near the fryer when in use.

• Make sure turkey is completely thawed and dry. Water and oil does not mix. Water causes oil to splatter and spill over causing a fire hazard.

• Do not overfill the fryer.

• Use well insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles.

• After each use, never allow children or pets near the fryer. The oil remains hot long after each use.

If you have questions, please contact Fire Prevention at 268-4466. Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!!

Fire Marshal Ed Bricknell

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