Christmas Tree PSA (Windows Media) (Real Player)

Holiday Tree Safety Brochure (pdf)

TREES

For some people, the placement of a tree in your home signifies the beginning of the holiday season.  Before doing this, consider the following points:

The location of the tree should not be in the way of doors, windows, or in paths used for exiting.

Trees should be a distance, at least equal to the height of the tree, away from open flames and sources of ignition. This includes heaters, fireplaces, and woodstoves.

Buildings such as theatres, schools, hotel/motels, restaurants, covered malls,  assisted living homes and retail stores have restrictions on when natural cut trees can be placed inside them.  See the Fire Code of New York State Section 804 for prohibited locations and conditions for the display of natural cut trees in these locations. Natural cut trees shall never be placed in day care centers, nursing homes, hospitals, or assisted-living facilities.

Use a stand that can adequately hold up the tree. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut at least 1/2 inch of the stem off to give a fresh surface for the water to be in contact with.

Proper placement of the tree in water and on-going maintenance will make the tree safe and last throughout the holiday season. Ensure that the tree stem is covered by at least 2 inches of water at all times and check the level at least daily.

CANDLES

Whether for tradition or decoration, candles need special care when used.

Keep candles away from items that can catch fire. Do not place candles on or near any decorative vegetation or trees.

Always use candles in holders that are sturdy and adequately collect dripping wax.

Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Keep candles and all open flames away from flammable liquids.

Candle Fire Safety Provides safety tips for the use of candles and includes statistical information.

LIGHTS

Make sure cords and wiring are intact. Discard frayed or damaged cords immediately.

Try to use Christmas lights that have fuses in the plugs.

Use extension cords properly. Do not overload extension cords.

All outdoor electrical decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Portable units for outdoor use are available, or you can have them permanently installed by an electrician.

GENERAL HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Decorating, both indoor and outdoor, can be exciting.  Here are some tips to help assure that  your holiday is a safe one:

Ensure that your family and friends that are staying for the holidays know your home fire escape plan.

Have your chimney or vent for your fireplace or wood-stove cleaned and inspected before use for the season.

Keep a fire extinguisher handy in your home and have functional smoke detectors installed. Check all of your smoke alarms regularly.

Whenever possible, use flame-retardant or flame-resistant decorating materials. Never use natural vegetation indoors that is not set in water or soils.

Watch for overloading of electrical circuits. Use listed power distribution blocks or strips with automatic circuit protection when overloaded or overheated.

If a fire breaks out in your home, leave immediately and call 911 from a neighbor's home.

Holiday Safety This brochure will help you in decorating for a safe holiday. Also included are prohibitions of interior decorations found in the Fire Code of New York State.

The Gates Fire District, along with the Gates-Chili Fire Department, Inc. believe Fire Prevention Education to be an important part of a fire department program. In the United States alone, nearly 3,000 people lose their lives each year to fire. It cannot be overstated the importance of a pro-active fire prevention program to instill values and safety consciousness, to have a safe attitude and respect for fire, and to make safe and responsible choices as we go about our daily lives.

FIRE PREVENTION SERVICES OFFERED

• Fire prevention education presentations in schools, based on the National Fire Protection Association’s Learn Not To Burn program.

• Fire prevention presentations for civic and community groups.

• Fire prevention education presentations for business and industry.

• Fire Extinguisher Training in compliance with O.S.H.A. Standard 1910.157

• Referrals to the Fire Marshal’s Office for building inspections and technical assistance.

• Special event displays and demonstrations.