Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires

December 10, 2018 5:02 PM
by Suzanne Post

It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart and put a freeze on winter holiday fires by following these safety tips. 

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS:

• Choose a tree that is fresh, with green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Be sure to add water daily to the tree stand.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

REAL TREE OR ARTIFICAL? 

• For artificial trees, choose those that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Always follow the manufactures recommendations for setting up.
• Replace artificial trees if string lights are worn or broken cords loose bulb connections.

CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL:

• Trees should be disposed of when it is dry - as soon as Christmas is over.
• As the holidays draw to a close, check the city's Resource, Recovery and Recycle website for more information on how to dispose of trees.

GOOD PRACTICES FOR HOLIDAY SAFETY:

• Use electric candles to decorate.
• Test and make sure all smoke alarms are working in the home.
• Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
• Teach your kids how to stop, drop and roll if their clothing catches fire. (Have them practice, stopping immediately, dropping to the ground, covering their face with hands, and rolling over and over to put the flames out.)
• If you attend holiday parties, always look for ways out of the home and plan how you would get out in an emergency.
• It is easy to get distracted while entertaining during the holidays - don't forget to tell guests about your home's fire escape plan.

Authored By

Suzanne Post
Fire Safety Coordinator