Safety Tips for celebrating Christmas :
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns. Make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
- Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
- Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
- Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast.
- Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.
- Make a 1” cut at base of tree.
- Check tree for dryness. Needles of a fresh tree will bend as opposed to breaking in half.
- Place tree firmly in a stand with plenty of room for water.
- Check water level daily and add if needed.
- Keep tree at least three feet away from any space heaters or other heat sources.
- Check electrical cords for wear and outlets for overloading.
- Never leave a lighted tree unattended.
- Don’t let tree block exits or stairs.
- Never use lights or electrical products to decorate a metal or aluminum tree.
- Keep live and artificial trees away from open flames (e.g. fireplaces, candles).
- Inspect for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets.
- Don’t use more than three strings of lights on one extension cord.
- Never run cords under carpet.
- Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Only use UL-approved (Underwriter’s Laboratory) lights and cords.
- Keep burning candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Teach children not to touch burning candles.
- Don’t place candles near draperies or combustible items (furniture, paper, and clothing, etc.).
- If you leave the room or the home, extinguish all flames.
- Place candles in sturdy, non-combustible holders.
