HOLIDAY (Christmas)

- Trees - Lights - Decorations - Additional Tips - Ten Christmas Gifts... Print This Page

TREES (Return to Top)

1. Is your Christmas tree a fresh tree?
   Once a tree is selected, leave it outside until it is time to decorate it. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees could be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

2. Is your tree placed away from heat sources such as a fireplace, stove, heater, or radiator?
   Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace, heat vent or radiator. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

3. Is your artificial tree flame retardant?
   If you are using an artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. There should be a label on the tree stating if is flame retardant. If you have a metal tree, use only battery operated lights or decorate without lighting.

4. Are candles kept off or away from your tree?
   Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

5. Is your tree secure so it cannot be tipped over?
   Be sure your tree is in a stand designated not to tip over.

6. Is your tree kept from blocking an exit or stairway?
   Do not block an exit or stairway with your tree, it can delay or even prevent your escape in case of a fire.

7. Do you dispose of your tree properly?
   Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community or private pick-up service.

LIGHTS (Return to Top)

1. Have you checked for any frayed wires, broken plugs, or loose sockets on the string of lights?
   Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory (UL) UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES. Use Christmas lights which utilize lower wattage bulbs or are of the "twinkle" type. This type generates less heat under prolonged use. For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Fasten outdoor lights securely to house, trees, or posts, with sockets pointing down to keep moisture from collecting. Don't use indoor lights outside.

2. Do you turn off or unplug all of the lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving home?
   Do not leave holiday lights on unattended. Always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

3. Do you check for overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords?
   Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord first before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch. Watch for signs of dimming.

DECORATIONS (Return to Top)

1. Do you use only flame retardant materials to decorate the house?
   All decorations should be non-combustible or flame retardant and placed away from heat sources such as fireplaces, heaters, stoves. When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those labeled by a testing laboratory (UL) UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES. Anytime you use decorative lights, check that they do not generate large amounts of heat and watch the placement of these lights.

2. Are gift wrappings disposed of properly?
   Never put wrapping paper in a fire place. It burns very rapidly and it can throw off dangerous sparks.

ADDITIONAL TIPS (Return to Top)

• Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept well away from decorations or other combustible materials. Make sure the base or candleholder is sufficient to maintain dripping wax.
• Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles and always keep candles out of the reach of children.
• Don't display lighted candles in windows or near exits in case you need these to escape.
• If there are smokers around your home, provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. Check inside and under upholstery and in trashcans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
• Completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding or flush them down the toilet.
• If you plan to hang stockings on your fireplace, don't burn fires in it.
• Choose holiday gifts wisely, passing up those that could be highly flammable.
• In the kitchen, keep small children away during the busy meal preparation times.
• Be sure that you do not leave stovetop burners or oven on after their use.

TEN CHRISTMAS GIFTS...that continue to give throughout the year. (Return to Top)

1. Smoke Detectors
   Have a working smoke detector on each level of your home. Maintain and test it according to the manufacture's instructions. Replace any smoke detector that is 10 years old or older.

2. New batteries for your battery-powered smoke detectors.

3. Carbon Monoxide Detector
   Especially important if you heat your home with gas, coal, oil or use a wood burning stove, kerosene or other types of portable space heaters.

4. Instructions for preparing a Home Exit Plan in case of fire or other emergency
   Do you think you could get out of your home or apartment in the middle of the night if it is filled with smoke? Do you and your family know what to do when the smoke detector goes off? Have you planned and practiced a home escape plan with your family? Give the gift of life this season: make a plan and practice it.

5. Fire Extinguisher

6. Anti-scald Shower Head
   These devices prevent accidental scalds while showering. Anti-scald shower heads are made by several major plumbing/faucet manufacturers and can be found at hardware stores, home centers, and plumbing supply stores.

7. Bath Thermometers
   Prevent a devastating scald in the tub. Check the water temperature before placing your child in the tub. Duck or tugboat toys serve a dual purpose - a temperature gauge and a bath toy, available in department stores selling infant supplies.

8. No-Spill Beverage Mugs (not just for driving anymore)
   Prevent scald burns from hot beverage spills or toddler pull downs - use a covered safety mug daily for your hot beverages.

9. Child Resistant Cupboard/Cabinet Locks
   Keep your toddler away from dangerous items stored in your cupboard and cabinets.

10. Electric Outlet Covers
    Prevent electrical burns; cover all accessible outlets with a child resistant cover.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.