PASADENA FIRE DEPARTMENT 2015 HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

 

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition during the holidays.  Unfortunately, all too often these festive decorations can increase the chance of fire or injury.  The Pasadena Fire Department offers the following Christmas Tree & decorating safety tips to ensure you, your family, loved ones or business have a Safe & Happy Holiday!  Remember, for all life-threatening emergencies, always call 9-1-1.

 

CHRISTMAS TREES can remain relatively fire safe with these simple steps:

  • Always choose as fresh of a tree as possible that has green needles.
  • Recut the trunk at least two inches above the old cut as soon as you get it home.  This allows the tree to continue to pull moisture into its foliage.
  • Place tree in stand and give it water immediately after making the new cut.  Giving your tree water is the key to keeping it fresh and enhancing its fire resistance.  If your tree is kept outside for a few days, place it in a bucket of water before bringing it indoors.
  • Check water level daily.  Never let the water level go below the bottom of the trunk.  Commercial floral preservatives can be added to the water too.
  • Place tree in the coolest location possible and at least 3 feet away from direct sources of heat.  Avoid placing any tree, live or artificial, near a heater outlet, wood stove or fireplace.
  • Never leave a lighted tree unattended.  Never use candles on a tree.
  • Remove the tree immediately after the holidays.  Even a properly cared for tree will become very dry and a potential fire hazard.  Take to recycling site or leave for refuse collector.

 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS & DECORATING tips to keep you safe include:

  • Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
  • Keep decorations away from heat sources, windows and doors.
  • Properly install your holiday lights and other decorations.  Always have someone hold a ladder when in use.
  • Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.  Be sure to use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
  • Use LED lights.  They are mostly shatterproof, shock resistant, energy efficient and produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk from fire.
  • Make sure all electric cords have no frayed or cracked wires or broken sockets.  Do not use or repair a worn light set!  Throw it out and buy new.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets.
  • Do not link more than three light strands, unless directions says it is safe. 
  • Do not leave lights turned on for prolonged periods or unattended.
  • Keep exits clear by keeping decorations away from windows and doors.

 

Christmas Tree Recycling Info:  www.cityofpasadena.net/PublicWorks

Follow Pasadena Fire Dept. at: www.twitter.com/PasadenaFD, @PasadenaFD

If You See Something, Say Something, call Pasadena Police: (626) 744-4241