Keep Your Home Fire Free This Holiday Season

Spartanburg, SC (November 21, 2008):  With the Holiday season fast approaching, much of our attention will turn to holiday decorations.  Decorations can bring the spirit of the holidays into any home and community and often mark the start of the season.  A few simple safety precautions can help ensure a safe holiday season.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has estimated that over 12,000 people visit hospital emergency rooms for falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday decorating.  According to the US Fire Administration, Christmas trees account for approximately 200 fires annually, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage. Well-watered trees are not a problem. Dry and neglected trees can be.

Trees and Decorations:
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.“ Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, floor vents, and radiators. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways.
• When setting up a live tree, create a fresh cut by removing ½” from the trunk before placing in a stand.  Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp or decorations or object with small removable parts.
• Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• Make sure that any light strings or other decorations for the tree are in good condition.
• Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
• Safely dispose of trees as they become dry and needles begin to drop.

Holiday Lights
• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Throw out damaged sets. 
• Do not overload electrical outlets.  Do not link more than three light strands together, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
• Only purchase lights that have been approved by a testing laboratory.
• If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• When using lights outdoors, verify lights strands have been approved for outdoor use.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Candle Care
• Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame.
• Keep burning candles within sight.
• Keep lighted candles away from items that can burn easily.
• Always use non-combustible candle holders that are stable. 
• Place candles where they cannot be easily knocked over or accessible by children and pets.
• Extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.

Fireplaces
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. Wrappings can ignite suddenly and burn intensely, resulting in a flash fire.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.
• Never use flammable or combustible liquids to start a fire.
• Fireplaces should be inspected and the chimney cleaned annually by a professional.

The Fire Division recommends the use of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in all homes.  Every level of your home should have a working smoke alarm.  Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries should be changed at least annually.  Carbon monoxide detectors should be used in every home with fuel burning appliances (gas, oil, kerosene, etc) or homes with attached garages. 
Every family should create and practice a home escape plan that includes a designated meeting place for all family members when they leave the home.  Once you have escaped a burning building never re-enter the building for any reason. 
Please contact the Spartanburg Fire Division for additional advice or information.  Additional safety tips can be found on the Public Safety Website at http://spsdonline.org.