Annually, emergency rooms treat a number of people for injuries related to holiday lights, decorations, and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in an average of 210 homes fires annually, resulting in an annual average of 24 deaths, 27 injuries, and an average of more than $13.3 million in direct property loss and damage (NFPA). Following these tips for the selection and care of a tree in the home can help reduce an occurrence of a fire within your home this holiday season.
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday

• When selecting an artificial tree, make sure it has a label indicating it is fire resistant. This means it will resist burning, and if it does catch on fire, the flames should be easily extinguished.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree. Faulty lights can charge the tree with electricity. If someone touches it, they could be electrocuted.
• When purchasing a live tree, it should have the following characteristics:
• It should have green needles hard to pull from branches
• Bend branches to make sure needles do not fall off
• Tap the trunk on the ground to make sure needles do not fall off
• Touch the end of the trunk, which should feel sticky with resin
• A dry tree is a fire hazard.

When you get the tree home

• Place it away from traffic, doors and heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.
• Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
• "Keep the tree watered." That's good advice and not just to create a fragrant indoor winter wonderland atmosphere. Water it daily.

Disposing of the tree
Never place tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. A flash fire might ignite suddenly and burn intensely. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
To dispose of your tree, cut it into 4-foot bundled sections and place it on the curb on your regular yard-waste collection day.
Maintaining Your Holiday Lights and decorations

• Use lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Inspect holiday lights each year for any damage before putting them up. Throw out damaged sets.
• Do not overload electrical outlets
• For added protection, plug lights and decorations into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• Indoor lights and decorations should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof connections. Some outdoor and decorations burn too hot indoors.
• Take extra care when decorating with small children
• Do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
• Keep small parts out of the reach of children
• All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
• When using candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
• Never leave the house with candles burning.

Finally, as with 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. NEVER remove batteries from smoke alarms to use in children’s toys. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

From our family here at the City of Venice Fire Department to yours, we would like to extend the warmest holiday wishes during this holiday season.

 

Safe Kids Car Seat Brochure