IN Peters Township December 2019/January 2020 | Page 13

Christmas Safety Tree As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. • Picking the tree Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. • Placing the tree Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. • Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. lighting the tree Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. • • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. FACTS ! More than one of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems. ! Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. • ! wn • After Christmas A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four of the fires. NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION The leading information and knowledge resource on fire, electrical and related hazards Interested in joining our Team? PTFD is actively seeking volunteer firefighters! Contact us at 724.941.4176 or [email protected]. nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2019 PETERS TOWNSHIP ❘ D ECEM B ER 2 0 1 9 / J A N UA RY 2020 11