Holiday safety tips from Fire Chief Phillip Garcia:
Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the one(s) you have and TEST it.
Use only outdoor lights outside your home.
Examine light strings each year, discard worn ones.
Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture buildup.
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.
CHRISTMAS
- A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground.
- Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help it absorb water.
- Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
- The stand should hold at least 1 gallon 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-approved lights and no more than 3 strands linked together.
- Use miniature lights—which have cool-burning bulbs.
- Turn off the holiday lights when you sleep or if you leave your home for very long.
- 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 the tree properly. NEVER BURN CHRISTMAS TREES IN A FIREPLACE!
