Christmas Fire Safety Tips!
The holidays are rapidly approaching
and many a wide-eyed child will be bubbling with excitement as
they anticipate the great and wondrous events of this Christmas
season. To help ensure a merry Christmas and fire safe holiday
season for everyone, the Nocona Volunteer Fire Department
suggests that several basic fire safety guidelines be observed.
Buy
a fresh Christmas tree.
If the needles are already falling off,
the tree is too dry and should not be purchased. Once a tree is
selected, leave it outside until it is time to decorate it. Be
sure the tree is securely fastened in a sturdy holder filled
with water. It is a good idea to trim at least a one-inch piece
from the bottom of the tree after purchase. This increases the
tree's ability to absorb water. During the period of time that
your tree is indoors, water it regularly. Do not locate the tree
in an area where it will be subjected to intense heat, such as
near a woodstove or heater. Be careful not to block exit paths
and doorways with the tree. Use Christmas lights which utilize
lower wattage bulbs or are of the "twinkle" type. This
type generates less heat under prolonged use. Be certain all
light strings are in good condition and operating properly.
Tighten bulbs in sockets to prevent arcing. Never use candles or
any open flame device on Christmas trees. Don't overload
electrical circuits by plugging too many cords into a single
outlet. All circuits should be protected by the proper fuse,
appropriately matched to the appliances being utilized.
Christmas lights should always be turned off when no one is home
or whenever everyone has retired for the evening.
Plug-in electric toys
should be labeled by a fire safety testing agency. Don't buy
highly combustible toys or ones that use flammable liquids. When
you are entertaining guests in your home who smoke, provide
large ash trays and check for cigarettes in upholstered
furniture before going to bed. Cigarette fires are still the
leading cause of fire fatalities in the home.
Please be careful and observe
these simple fire safety rules, and enjoy a happy holiday
season.
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