The holidays are a celebratory time where families come together to share in the joy of the
season.  However, the holidays can also be a time of disaster because of fire.  According to
the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 2,600 people are injured and almost $1 BILLION
dollars in damage is attributed to fires during the holidays.

Following some of the recommended steps below can keep you and your loved ones safe
during this happy holiday season.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

    Selecting a Tree for the Holiday

    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.

  • 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.
  • Bouncing the tree trunk on the ground can identify old trees. 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. (See the video below about the
    dangers of a dried out tree)

    Disposing of Your Tree

  • Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard or recycle it promptly.
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 the Fireplace

  • It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home
    that could cause an explosion.
       
    Artificial Holiday 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 lit 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.

    Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

  • Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.
Care When Cooking

    Never Leave Cooking Food Unattended

  • Never leave the house if you are cooking a turkey or any other food.

    Use Extreme Caution If Attempting to Deep Fry a Turkey

  • Make sure the turkey has fully thawed before placing it in a turkey fryer.
  • Do not over fill the oil past the recommended level, and have ensure flame is off
    before putting the turkey in.
  • Never leave it unattended while cooking.
  • Never deep fry a turkey indoors or immediately next to the side of the house,
    shed, or fence, always use away from any objects.
  • Please watch this video about the dangers of turkey frying.
Final Tips

    Finally, as in every season, have working smoke and carbon monoxide 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.
SEASON FROM THE
SPOTSWOOD VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT!!