How to have a safe holiday season

Christmas tree safety:

• Many artificial trees are fire resistant. Look for a tree with a label stating that the tree is fire resistant.
• Fresh trees will stay green longer and less of a fire hazard than dry trees. To check for freshness, remember:
  • A fresh tree is green.
  • Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
  • When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
  • The end of the trunk of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
  • When you bounce the trunk of a tree on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that the tree is too dry.
• Always locate trees away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Overly heated rooms will dry out trees rapidly, creating potential fire hazards.
• When attaching a tree stand, you should first cut about two inches off of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Keeping the tree stand filled with water will help keep the tree fresh and green.
• Place the tree away from the high traffic areas of your home and doorways.
• Be sure to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of fire.
• Remove the tree promptly if it become dry.
• When you are through with the tree, you should discard the tree well away from your home, not even near the trash until you can dispose of it properly.
• Remember that artificial snow sprays can irritate your lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels and follow directions. back to top

Decorative lighting:

• Inside or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independednt testing laboratory. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires and loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them prior to use.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to protect them from wind damage.
• Use no more than three standard-sized sets of lights on a single extension cord.
• Be sure to unplug all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave your home. Lights can short out and cause a fire.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become electrically charged by faulty lights, and anyone touching the tree could be electrocuted. To avoid danger light the tree with colored spotlights above or beside the tree.
• Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights can tempt curious children. Breakage can cause cuts, and the liquid used in these lights is toxic.
• Automatic timers can be used to ensure that lights are not inadvertently left on overnight. back to top

Candles and votives:

• Never use candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
• Always use nonflammable holders.
• Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.
• Place candles where they cannot be knocked or blown over.
• Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Always keep burning candles up high, out of the reach of children. back to top

Holiday decorations and trimmings:

• Use only noncombustible or flame-resistent materials. Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass "angel hair" to avoid irritation to the eyes and skin.
• Choose tinsel are artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• In homes with small children, take special care to:
  • Avoid decorations that are sharp or unbreakable.
  • Keep trimmings with small removable parts, pieces which can be swallowed or inhaled, out the reach of children
  • Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child might be tempted to eat them. back to top

The Fireplace:

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, broughs, papers and other decorations away from the fireplace area. Check to be sure the flue is open.
• Before closing the flue, be sure the fire is out completely.
• Use care with "fire salts" which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals which can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation or vomiting if eaten. Keep them away from children.
• Fireplace owners should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in addition to smoke detectors.
• Have your chimney inspected at least once a year and cleaned if necessary. Creosote, a chemical substance that forms when wood burns, builds up in chimneys and can cause a chimney fire if not removed periodically by proper cleaning.
• Always use a fire screen and only burn material suitable for fireplaces. Avoid burning trash or paper which can float up the chimney and onto your roof or a neighbor's roof. back to top

Holiday cooking safety:

• Avoid loose fitting clothing when cooking, especially long open sleeves that can easily be ignited by hot burners.
• Never leave the kitchen unattended when something is cooking on the stove. Always turn handles inward to prevent small children from reaching and spilling a hot pan.
• Don't store items on the stove top - they could catch fire.
• Keep kitchen appliances in clean and in good condition. Turn off appliances after use.
• Don't overload electrical outlets. Periodically check electrical appliances for frayed or cracked wires. Do not use electrical appliances in or near water.
• Be sure your kitchen is well ventilated or keep a window cracked to help prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide from gas cooking appliances.
• Equip the kitchen area with smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher.
• Use chafing dishes with caution. back to top

Wrapping paper:

• When making paper decorations, look for materials labeled noncombustible or flame-resistant.
• Never place wrappings or wrapped packages near open flames or electrical connections.
• Remove all wrapping paper away from the tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are opened.
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. Some holiday papers contain materials that tend to ignite suddenly and burn with intensity. back to top