Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 10

Fire Prevention Tips
3.

A natural tree should be kept outside until it is ready to be set up. Be sure to
set it up in a cool part of the house away from sources of heat. Stand the tree
in a bucket of water to prevent drying and keep it watered regularly.

Inspect a natural tree periodically for needles near the lights that have started
to turn brown. If necessary, change the position of the lights, so they are not
in contact with the needles. Dispose of the tree when large quantities of
needles begin to fall off the tree.
5. A metal tree should be lit with coloured floodlights (or colourwhell) that are off
the tree. NEVER hang electric lights on a metallic tree. This could result in
serious shock.
4.

Use only fireproof decorations. NEVER use decorations made of cloth or
paper.
7. DO NOT leave lights burning while sleeping or when not at home.
8. Plastic trees should be made of fire-resistant material. These will not catch
fire as easily. Keep away from sources of heat.
9. Select decorative lights that have been checked for safety by a nationally
recognized testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory
Mutual (FM).
10. Check indoor and outdoor lights each year for frayed wires, loose connections,
cracked sockets and exposed wires.
11. DO NOT over load circuits with lights. The instructions included with
"standard" sized lights should specify the number of lamps which can be
strung together safely.
12. DO NOT use indoor lights for outdoor decorating. Outdoor lights should be
identified as such, and should be removed as soon as the holiday season is
over.
13. NEVER run an electric train under a tree. Sparks from the track might start
a fire.
14. Install a switch away from the tree to turn lights on or off.
15. DO NOT bum wrapping paper or trees in an enclosed area.
6.

Christmas Cooking/Baking:
1. Check to be sure your stove is in good condition for prolonged cooking and
baking. According to statistics, cooking equipment causes many fires
annually.
2. Wipe away any grease from the top of the stove and inside the oven after
cooking.
3. Keep all flammable (napkins, dried flowers, etc.) away from lighted table
candles and cooking appliances.

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