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PREVENTING HOLIDAY TREE FIRES
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken
when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can
rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to
pull back from the branches, and the needle should not
break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should
be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by
bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles
fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably
dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source,
including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out
the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat,
flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette
ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early
or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree
stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put 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 having it hauled away
by a community pick-up service.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
 Maintain
Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires,
bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked
sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them
up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing
laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the
directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights
to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the
outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they
should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended |
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HOLIDAY
DECORATIONS
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or
flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a
chemical buildup in the home that could cause an
explosion.
Artificial Holiday Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make
sure it is flame retardant.
CANDLE CARE
 Avoid
Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable
holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked
down. Never leave the house with candles burning. A
safer alternative is battery operated LED candles. A
special LED bulb simulates a flickering flame.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame -
candles, lighters or matches.
 Finally,
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 for help. And
remember to practice your home escape plan.
For More Information Contact:
Edinburg Fire & Burn Prevention
212 W. McIntyre St.
Edinburg, TX 78539
Ph. 956-383-5661
Or
visit
U.S.
Fire Administration
National
Fire Protection Association
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