Safety Tips for the Holidays
The Utah State University Fire Marshal’s Office wishes everyone on campus a wonderful and safe holiday season. Each year, more than 1,300 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to holiday lights, and Christmas trees are involved in over 500 fires. These fires result in an average $20 million dollars in property loss and damage, and leave many homeless.
As the holiday season approaches, the Fire Marshal’s Office urges everyone to look for, and eliminate, any source of fire from holiday lights, trees and decorations. Here are some tips.
Lights:
- Use only lights that have been tested for safety and have a U.L. (Underwriters Laboratory) listing.
- Check all light strings and cords for frayed or exposed wiring, cracked or broken sockets and loose connections and plugs. Discard any damaged sets.
- It is recommended to use mini lights because they generate less heat than the larger bulbs.
- Use no more than three standard sets of lights per extension cord.
- Turn off all lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
Trees:
- An artificial Christmas tree may prove to be a safe alternative to a real tree. When shopping for an artificial tree, look for the label that indicates “Fire Resistance”. Fire resistive does not mean non-combustible, but does mean that the material will resist burning and could be extinguished more quickly.
- Before erecting the tree, make a fresh cut on the tree trunk. Cut off one ½ inch of the trunk above the bottom.
- Place in a reservoir-type tree stand and water daily.
- Do not use candles on or near the tree.
- Keep trees away from any heat source, such as heater vent.
- Safely dispose of the tree before it becomes dangerously dry.
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