Christmas Trees
- Selecting a Tree: Tap the trunk on the ground, grab a branch near the top, and pull your hand along it slowly. Needles should not fall off or break when you bend them. If you use an artificial tree, select one with a flame-retardant label.
- When You Get Gome: Make a fresh cut an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk before placing it in the stand. This will help with absorption. Water a live tree every day. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
- Placing the Tree: Place your tree securely in a sturdy stand with a wide footprint. Place your tree and decorations away from lamps, space heaters, fireplaces, candles, and other heat sources.
- Keep Entrances and Exits Clear: Santa may exit through the chimney, but residents should be able to escape quickly through doorways, stairways, and windows if necessary. Keeping these areas clear allows firefighters rapid access in an emergency.
- Decorating the Tree: Purchase electric holiday lights that are listed by an independent lab like UL or Intertek/ETL and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Consider switching to LED lights, which are cooler and use less electricity. Before hanging the older lights, inspect them for frayed wires or other defects and discard them if they show signs of wear or damage. Never use lighted candles as decorations. Turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed for the night.
- Disposing of the Tree: Remove your tree soon after the holidays and place it away from the house. Many communities offer Christmas tree pick-up services.
- This video from the National Institute of Standards and Training (NIST) illustrates how a dry Christmas tree can burn like a forest fire in your living room while a well-watered tree takes much longer to burn.
Outdoor Decorations
- Be sure to use only lights rated for outdoor use.
- Consider replacing older outdoor lights with newer LED lights that are cooler and use less energy.
- Securely anchor outdoor lights and decorations against the wind and storms with insulated holders or hooks.
- Use electrical connection protectors to keep water out.
- All outdoor electrical decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). You can buy portable units for outdoor use, or you can have them permanently installed by an electrician.
- Don’t overload circuits.
- Never drive nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation; this can cause a fire.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.
DFS Public Service Announcements
| Date published: | November 26, 2024 |
|---|