In this - the season of tinseled trees, lavish lights, overloaded outlets, and candy scented candles - the American Red Cross offers us the gift of holiday home fire prevention tips to keep us all safe in this most festive time of year...
Christmas Tree Care
- Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees.
- If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren't easily broken.
- Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.
- Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
- Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
- Make sure that any light strings or other decorations for the tree are in good condition and follow manufacturer's instructions for their use. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords.
- Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
- Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
- Safely dispose of trees as they become dry and needles begin to drop.
- Dispose of trees through recycling centers or community pick-up services. Dried-out trees should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house or garage.
Holiday Lights and Decorations
- Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets by not linking more than three light strands.
- Use decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant
- Place decorations at least three feet away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
Holiday Candles
- Always extinguish them before leaving the room or going to bed. Do not leave a room before extinguishing candles.
- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
- Keep them at least three feet away from trees, evergreens, holiday decorations, and other items that can catch fire like clothing, papers and curtains.
- Use candle holders that are study, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax. Remember that even glass holders can shatter and explode from the heat of a candle flame.
- Place them where they cannot be reached or easily knocked over by children and pets.
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