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Fire Marshal
The Twelve Tips for a
Fire Safe Holiday
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As you get into the holiday spirit and decide to spread cheer yet again with your seasonal display of lights and magic - it's a good idea to
brush up on fire safety tips such as to never throw water on an electrical fire and don't place lit candles in an evergreen tree. "...but
do you recall, the most important tip of them all?" Here are the Fire Marshal's 12 tips for a fire safe holiday:
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Tip #1 -
Use only #16 gauge extension cords and check to make sure that your
extension cord is approved for outdoor use. Just because the cord is
green doesn't mean it's safe to use outside. Not only does the extension cord need to be designed for outside
use, so does the lighting strand.
Make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations regarding
where and how to use lights. If you are unsure, don't use it.
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Tip #2 -
Don't connect too many strands of lights to each other. This can easily cause fuses to blow and circuits to be over-loaded.
You should always read the packaging for recommended guidelines but the general rule of thumb is no more than 3 - 4 strands
in succession.
Tip #3 -
Never use plain staples or nails for installing your decorative lights. These could cut through the wire and cause fraying.
This in turn could endanger you and your property. Try to use plastic clips that can be left for the next time you hang lights.
Insulated staples are another option that reduce the chance of cutting through the wire.
Tip #4 -
When placing your tree consider combustible materials such as carpet, furniture & drapes. Also, don't make the mistake of locating
your tree near fire hazards such as fireplaces & heaters.
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Tip #5 -
One of the best ways to keep your family safe this Holiday Season is to double-check the
batteries in your smoke & carbon monoxide detectors.
At the same time, check your fire extinguishers
to insure that they are handy and up-to-date.
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Tip #6 -
When putting up lights and decorations, be sure to watch for power lines. Make sure trees haven't grown up too close, a tree can become electrified.
One safety measure is to never get closer than 10 feet to a power line.
Tip #7 -
Make a plan and stick to it! Keep the wiring and decorations neat and cleaned up. Design an organized layout that doesn't include loose
cables that can become entangling, tripping or choking hazards to people, pets & wildlife.
Tip #8 -
Don't leave lights unattended. Only have lights on when you will be at home and consider a timer that will automatically turn display on and off.
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Tip #9 -
Choose only lights and electrical decorations that have been tested for safety by an independent agency,
such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
Beware of counterfeit or poor quality electrical products that
are cheaply manufactured.
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Tip #10 -
If you will be using older electrical components, carefully take the necessary time to individually check all bulbs and connections for wear and
if any are cut, bare, loose, frayed or broken - dispose of them immediately. Always replace burned-out bulbs with bulbs of the same wattage.
Tip #11 -
Remember how dry things become in the winter. Inside it is important to water living trees often (keeping stand filled)
and use non-flammable items around the base to trim tree. Outside it is important to rake leaf piles and to keep connections off
the ground whenever possible.
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Tip #12 -
Make a date now when you are going to take down the display and put it away for next year. Even though you worked
hard on the display and may want to enjoy it for longer - it isn't safe to leave out for an extended period.
The natural elements could gradually damage your lights and other
electrical components making them a hazard.
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