Editorial

Be safe during the holidays

Posted

The holidays are the favorite time of year for many people, and it’s easy to understand why: families celebrate, gathering from far and wide. Happiness is the hope and everyone’s wish.

So let’s keep it that way. With all the decorations that go with the season, it’s important to make sure that all the proper precautions are taken so that the holidays are safe, made memorable for all the right reasons, and not for unintended misadventures — or worse, a tragedy.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, Christmas trees caused 230 fires across the country from 2007 to 2011, and holiday lights caused another 150. Those fires resulted in 15 deaths, 38 injures and $26.7 million in damages. And those are just the reported statistics; who knows how many smaller fires went unreported, but nonetheless turned what were supposed to be festive times into bad memories.

Most fires caused by holiday decorations are preventable if you follow a few simple guidelines.

Christmas trees
Most holiday fires start with a Christmas tree. It’s a beautiful decoration, but it can also easily catch fire, especially the longer it’s left up.

If you have an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled and certified by the manufacturer to be fire-retardant.

Live trees are trickier, because they need regular care. When you pick out a tree, make sure it’s fresh and that you can handle it without lots of needles falling off. Noticeable needle-shedding is a sign that the tree is already dried out, and hence more flammable.

Cut one to two inches off the trunk of the tree before you secure it in a stand. The fresh wood that you expose will be better able to absorb water from the base, prolonging the tree’s life. Choose a spot to display it that is at least three feet from any heat source — fireplace, radiator, candle, vent or hot light.

Any lights you put on the tree should be labeled for indoor use. Before you string them up, check the wires to make sure they’re not torn or frayed. If they are, throw them out and buy new ones.

Be sure to turn off the lights on the tree when you leave the house or go to bed, and water the tree daily. You can use plant food as well to help prolong its life.

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