Christmas Time Safety
	Suggestions for a Happy Holiday

Christmas Tree Safety Consider an artificial tree (they are much safer and cleaner). Artificial trees should have a fire retardant label. A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground. Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help absorb water. Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate. Never use a cut tree in a place of public assembly (apartment or hotel lobbies, restaurants, etc.). Water a cut tree daily. Use a “non-tip” style tree stand. The stand should hold at least 1 gal. of water. A 6' tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days. Mix a commercial preservative with the water. Check the water level every day. Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping. Keep tree away from floor heaters, fire places, or other heat sources. Use only UL-listed lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together. Use miniature lights--which have cool-burning bulbs. Use only fire retardant decorations. Never leave a lit tree unattended. Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home. Never use candles, even on artificial trees. Clean the tree stand to improve the tree's water intake, use one capful of bleach to a cup of water. Dispose of your tree properly, soon after the holiday before needles dry out. NEVER BURN A REAL TREE IN THE FIREPLACE.

Home Safety Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the one(s) you have and TEST it. Use only outdoor lights outside your home. Unplug all lighting before retiring for the evening. Blow out candles before leaving the room. Don't leave candles burning unattended. Examine light strings each year, discard worn ones. Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up. Connect no more than three strands together. Never use indoor extension cords outside. Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords. Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow. Unplug light string before replacing a bulb. Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage. When connecting light strands, wrap a plastic bag around connections and tie ends with teflon tape. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spot lights. Make sure trees hung with X-mas lights are not touching power lines. When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles. Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember, hot wax burns kids and starts fires. Extinguish candles prior to going to bed. Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container until cold. After parties, check around the area where guests go to smoke for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide a container for butts.) Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.