The holidays are a wonderful time of year! However, it is important to remember that decorative lights, candles, and Christmas trees can unfortunately become fire hazards this time of year. Portland Fire & Rescue urges citizens to follow these important fire safety tips to help insure a fire safe holiday season.
Tree Care
-Choose a fresh tree with a natural, deep-green color and flexible needles.
-Cut off about two inches of the tree trunk at an angle to expose fresh wood for better water absorption.
-Water the tree every day. An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the tree, a seal will form on the cut and the tree will not be able to absorb any more water.
-Keep the tree away from all sources of heat to preserve its freshness. Miniature lights are a better decoration choice than standard sized lights. The cooler miniature lights do not dry the tree needles as quickly.
-When the needles get brittle or dull and begin to fall from the tree, it is time for the tree to go back outside.
Lights
-Use only lights that are UL approved. Check every set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections before using. Throw away anything that is not in perfect condition.
-Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and cause electrocution. Use colored spotlights as an alternative.
-Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the number of light strings in one circuit.
-Always turn off all tree lights and decorations before you go to bed or leave your home.
Candles
-Keep candles away from Christmas trees, evergreen clippings, decorations, presents and wrapping paper.
-Place candles in a sturdy fire-proof candle holder where they cannot be knocked over.
-Make sure all candles are out before going to bed or leaving the house.
-Keep candles, matches and lighters out of children's reach.
Trimmings
-Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.
-In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable; keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children; and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food.
Woodstove/Fireplace Safety
-Remove all greens, boughs, paper, and other decorations from the woodstove/fireplace area.
-Check to see that the flue is open.
-Use a fireplace screen at all times when a fire is burning in the fireplace.
-Don't burn wrapping paper, boughs, or trees in the woodstove or fireplace.
Portable Heaters
-Determine where the portable heater will be used - inside or outside of your home. Portable gas heaters (including propane heaters) should only be used in outdoor areas with ample ventilation. Carbon monoxide produced by these heaters is a killer in unventilated spaces.
-Select the right size heater for the right size space. When you purchase a portable heater, be sure to buy one that is rated for the approximate square-footage of the room or space you plan to use it in.
-Shop for a heater with a safety certification. Portable space heaters that are listed by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) have been tested, proven, and certified to meet specific safety standards. If possible, choose heaters with safety features such as tip-over and overheat protection.
-Give heaters their space. Position a portable space heater at least 3 feet away from furniture, window treatments, bedding, clothing, rugs, and other combustibles. These items could easily catch fire if they come into contact with a unit's electric heating element, open flame, or hot surface. Also, don't use heaters where they may come in contact with water causing potential for electrocution.
-Plug the heater directly into an outlet. Plug a portable electric heater directly into an outlet with sufficient power capacity. Using an extension cord to plug in the unit increases the chance of overheating, fires, and electrical shock injuries.
-Inspect and clean the heater regularly. Both portable gas and electric heaters should be inspected on an annual basis and cleaned frequently to ensure that they are in safe working condition. Remember, dust and contaminants can become fuel for a fire.
-Shut off and unplug the heater when leaving it unattended. Upon leaving an area, turn off the portable space heater and unplug it.
And as always, please make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and in each bedroom.
PF&R Wishes You and Your Family A Fire-Safe Holiday Season!
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