Christmas Safety Tips- Put Safety First and Have a Wonderful Holiday!
Deaths and accidents related to fire tend to be very high throughout the Christmas season. With a little know-how, you can take steps to ensure that your family will have a safe and joyous holiday.
-If you prefer real trees, choose one that has been freshly cut and is moist. These are the safest. Choose a tree that has a good “tree” scent and is deep green in color.
-Test the tree for freshness before buying it. Gently pull on the branches or bend them. If the needles stay on the tree, it is fresh. If you tap the butt of the tree on the ground only a very small percentage of needles should drop off. As well, the tree stump should be sticky in appearance with plenty of resin on it.
-Once you put your tree up, the water level in the stand always should be above the cut line. Check the water level every day, and refill as required.
-Choose a well made and sturdy tree stand that has wide legs that allow it to be steady and balanced on the floor.
-Choose a safe location for your Christmas tree. This means do not place it near a source of heat that can cause it to catch fire. Keep it away from radiators, fireplaces, space heaters, wood stoves, heating ducts and even television sets.
-Do not place your tree where it will block doors or windows.
-Use proper strings of Christmas lights on your tree and never candles.
-Do not keep a real tree for any longer than 10 to 14 days. No matter how fresh it was when you first got it or how well you cared for it, after that length of time it will begin to dry out and become a fire hazard.
-The decorations you use on your Christmas tree should be flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive.
-Before putting lights on the tree, check them thoroughly for any signs of damage or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets, and buy new ones.
-Replace the bulbs on the light sets that are burnt out. If you don’t, this could cause the other bulbs to overheat and catch fire. Always make sure that you choose bulbs for your light sets that have the appropriate wattage.
-Do not keep your lights on when you are not around to enjoy them. Turn them off at night and when you leave your home.
