Decorating homes, businesses and other facilities is a joy of the season and a long-standing tradition at this time of year, but possible fires involving holiday trees, lights, and candles pose a potentially deadly threat.
That’s why the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau would like to remind everyone to make fire prevention a top priority.
Following a few, simple fire safety tips can keep a Christmas tree, electric lights and candles from creating a tragedy, according to Ted Pisciotta, assistant chief of fire prevention.
— First and foremost, any place of business, facility or home should make certain that all exits remain accessible and unblocked by decorations or trees at any time.
— If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
— If you plan on a live/cut tree, be sure it is remains fresh and never becomes dry. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull from the branches, and a needle should bend, not break. Bouncing the tree trunk on the ground can identify old trees. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is likely a fire hazard. Before placing the fresh tree in the stand, cut 1 to 2 inches from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily. Keep the tree at least 3 feet from any heat source, such as a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent because the heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Also avoid locating a tree where it may be exposed to long periods of sun. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Do not leave a live tree up for longer than two weeks, and be sure to keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed near the home. Move the tree outdoors, well away from the house or any structure, such as curbside for pickup.
— Holiday lights can become an ignition source, regardless if indoors or outdoors. Use only lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Connect no more than three strands of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Make sure to periodically check the wires: They should not be warm to the touch. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
— Do not overload extension cords or outlets, and do not run an electrical cord under a rug.
— Avoid lighting candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where children, pets or cords from vacuum cleaners and such cannot easily knock them over. Consider where combustible items might be placed, avoiding places where candles might forgotten about over time. Never leave the house or go to sleep with candles burning. Of course, battery-powered, flameless “candles” are always preferred and are becoming more available in retail stores and on the web.
— As in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.
— Know when and how to call “911” for help.
— Remember to practice your home escape plan.
For more information, the public should contact the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau, 203-924-1555 or on the web under “Public Safety” at www.cityofshelton.org.
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