Winter Fire Prevention Safety Tips

Trees and Decorations:

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant."

Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does

indicate the tree is more resistant to burning.

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.  A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers.  The bottom of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and

radiators. Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to

keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of

traffic, and do not block doorways.

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.

Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals.

Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

In homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp or

breakable decorations, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of

the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and

avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to

eat them.

To avoid eye and skin irritation, wear gloves when decorating with spun

glass "angel hair."

To avoid lung irritation, follow container directions carefully while

Décorating with artificial snow sprays.

Lights:

Indoors or outside, use only lights, that has been tested for safety by

a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL/ITSNA. Use only newer lights that have thicker wiring and are required to have

safety fuses to prevent the wires from overheating.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets,

frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets.

If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.  Do Not wind or cover an extension chord as they generate heat and can cause a fire.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.  The tree can become

charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a

branch could be electrocuted.

When using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been

certified for outdoor use and plug them into only ground-fault circuit

interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles.

Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.  The

lights could short out and start a fire.

Candles:

Keep burning candles within sight.

Keep lighted candles away from items that can burn easily, such as

trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.

Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.

Extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.

Fireplaces:

Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on

wood fires. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense

gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting. Keep them away from children.

Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. Wrappings can ignite

suddenly and burn intensely, resulting in a flash fire.

Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting

nearby flammable materials.

Get free brochures with holiday decorating (pdf) and toy safety tips at

CPSC's web site www.cpsc.gov

Chief Scandariato