Do
not place your tree close to a heat source, including fireplace
or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to
be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
Never
put holiday tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning
stove.
When
the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to
dispose of your tree is by taking 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 them up.
Only
use UL approved lighting.
Do
not overload outlets. Connect strings of lights to an extension
cord before plugging the cord into the 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.
Did
you know? 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.
Alternative Heater Safety
return to main fire prevention page
home
Do
not place your tree close to a heat source, including fireplace
or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to
be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
Never
put holiday tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning
stove.
When
the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to
dispose of your tree is by taking 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 them up.
Only
use UL approved lighting.
Do
not overload outlets. Connect strings of lights to an extension
cord before plugging the cord into the 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
Eighty
percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.