HOLIDAY SAFETY INFORMATION

FROM THE ST. CLAIR SHORES FIRE DEPT.

Did you know?

    The U.S. Fire Administration reports eighty percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.

    During the holiday season, there are over 1,200 fires and 190 fire injuries associated with improper holiday tree and candle care.

    Most holiday fires can be easily prevented.

    Having a working smoke alarm more than doubles one’s chances of surviving a fire.

FOLLOWING THESE SIMPLE FIRE SAFETY TIPS CAN BOOST SURVIVAL RATES DRAMATICALLY. 

HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY TIPS

FROM THE U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION

 Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including fireplace or vent.  The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
Never put holiday branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.

When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.  The best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it picked up by a community pick-up service.

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wire, bare spots, gaps in the insulation broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting up.

Use only UL approved lighting

Do not overload outlets.  Connect strings of lights to an extension cord or power strip before plugging into outlet.

Do not leave lit holiday lights unattended.

Never leave fireplaces or space heaters unattended.

Avoid using lit candles.  If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they can not be easily knocked down.

Never leave the house with candles burning.

Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.  Test the batteries every month and change them at least once a year.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY

  Having properly working smoke detectors on every level of your home will provide you with a warning of a fire.
Having an escape plan for every room in your house increases your chance of surviving a fire.  Have two ways out of each room of your home and make sure that every member of your family and any guests spending the night know this plan.
If using a real tree, remember the basics when choosing your tree: 

1.      Choose a tree that is fresh.  Check for dry needles and branches.

2.      Choose a tree that is appropriate size for the area it is to be displayed.

3.      Inspect the trunk area to ensure its straight so the tree can be properly secured in the tree stand.

    Before bringing your tree into the house:

            1.    Cut a minimum section of ½ inch off the bottom of the tree trunk.  This will allow the tree to absorb water easier.

2.   The stand used for your tree needs to be in good shape and be of a size that will support or hold your tree securely.

3.   Decide on the location where the tree will be displayed.  The tree needs to be located in an area that is away from any ignition sources such as fire places, space heaters, wood burners, etc.

4.   Close any heat registers that may blow warm air directly on the tree.  This will speed up the drying of the tree.

5.    If the house has baseboard heat, close or shut off the heater that would be next to the tree.

6.   Position the tree in a location that would not hamper anyone from exiting the room or house. 

  Decorating the tree

            1.      Any lights placed on the tree must be rated or listed for this use; some Decorative lights should not be used on trees.

2.      Inspect the lights for damaged or improper fitting plugs, damage to the Insulation, missing or damaged light bulbs.

3.      Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for safe use of the lights.

4.      Use lights that are listed by UL

5.      Avoid the use of extension cords.  If needed, use of power strips instead of extension cords is encouraged.  These power strips should be tested and listed by a recognized testing agency (UL).

6.      Do not leave holiday lights lit unattended

7.      Never place lit candles on or near the tree.

8.      Check the water level on the tree stand daily and refill as needed.