| Lights and Decorations:
-Use caution with holiday decorations and whenever possible, choose those made with flameresistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.
-Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
-Purchase only lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.
-Replace any light string with frayed or broken wires, lose connections, or broken or cracked sockets.
-Do not overload electrical cords, adapters, or outlets.
Christmas Trees:
-Check the needles by running your fingers through the branches or by shaking the tree.
-Select another tree if the needles come off easily. This is a sign that the tree is drying out and presents a great fire risk.
-A dry tree will not tolerate the temperatures of Christmas lights and other electrical devices that may be placed on the tree.
-Pre-cut trees should be cut 2 inches above the base of the trunk to facilitate the absorption of water.
-Fill the container at the base of the tree daily with water to prevent it from drying out.
-Place the tree in a cool location away from heat sources, open flames, high traffic areas, stairways, and exits.
-Secure the tree so that it cannot be knocked over by small children or pets.
-Use only artificial trees that are flame-resistant.
-Use only artificial trees that have been tested by a national testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
-Place artificial trees in locations away from heat sources, open flames, high traffic areas, stairways, and exits.
Candles
-When using candles, place them a safe distance away from combustibles.
-Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember hot wax can burn people.
-Do not leave burning candles unattended. Extinguish candles prior to going to bed.
Facts & Figures from the National Fire Protection Association
During the four-year period of 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries, and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually.
During 2005, an estimated 15,600 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 150 civilian deaths, 1,270 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $539 million. Homes include dwellings, duplexes, manufactured housing and apartments.
Three in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home. Nearly half (44%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2002-2005.
|
;)
