The Holiday Season is traditionally a joyous time of the year. Sadly, though, this time of year is often marred by unnecessary and preventable tragedies.The Fire Department recommends the following safety tips to help ensure a safe and happy holiday season:
• Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home.
• Choose a freshly cut tree. Live trees need water, check and refill daily.
• Cut a few inches of the trunk before placing in water.
• When your tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
• Keep your tree away from heat sources, sparks or flames.
• Avoid octopus connections and overloaded connections
• Check and replace worn and or damaged light sets or wires
• Use only U.L. or F.M. approved lights on your tree and no candles!
• Remove all discarded packages and wrappings from the house.
• Never burn wrappings in a fireplace or wood stove.
• Use only non-combustible decorations.
• Do not leave Christmas tree lights on unattended.
• Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Avoid accidents, use wire or cord to secure your tree to a wall or the ceiling (this will prevent tree from being toppled by children or pets.)
Using Candles
(not on trees)
• Use non-tipping candleholders before lighting candles.
• Keep candles away from curtains and other combustible materials.
• Never use candles near windows or exits.
• Do not place candles in any type of tree, real or artificial.
• Extinguish candles when leaving home and when going to bed by wetting the wick.
• Keep wrapping paper away from candles and electric lights.
• Small children should not use matches or lighters, older children can learn to use them only under adult supervision
• Young children should be taught to stay away from candles and electric lights.
The Holden Fire Department wishes everyone a happy and healthy Holiday Season.
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