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Santa says: “Keep safety in mind this holiday season” |
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Thursday, 20 December 2007 |
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By S. Claus
Special to the Mammoth Times
 Santa borrowed the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department's truck this year for some of his deliveries. While hanging out with the MLFD, he was also able to pick up a few safety tips that he wanted to pass on to all of Mammoth's boys and girls.
Christmas Trees
Keeping fresh Christmas trees well watered is not only vital to the tree's decorative longevity, but also to keeping you and your family safe. If ignited, a dry tree can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds, as opposed to a well-watered tree. If your tree catches on fire, I won't have anywhere to place your presents, so keep it fresh.
Since many trees were cut several months ago and went dormant, they will absorb most of their water within six to eight hours after being brought into a warm area. Make a one-inch cut to the trunk and place the tree in water as soon as possible after getting it home. Trees that are kept fresh during the holiday season are more difficult to ignite. If the water level falls below the cut surface for more than four to six hours, the tree’s ability to keep absorbing moisture is inhibited. It is also recommended that a tree be disposed of after four weeks, even if well watered.
On average, 1 in every 9 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a fatality.
Look for the holographic UL Mark on light strings and electrical decorations.
Green holographic UL Mark = Indoor-only use
Red holographic UL Mark = Indoor and outdoor use
Carefully inspect each electrical decoration—new or old—before plugging it in. Cracked sockets, frayed, bare or loose wires can cause a serious electric shock or start a fire.
Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.
Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure any lit candles in the room are placed well away from tree branches.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces and radiators. Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.
Use of Candles
Christmas Day holds the record for the highest number of reported home candle fires. Statistics show that candles caused an estimated 15,600 home structure fires reported to fire departments in just one year. These fires caused an estimated 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries and $539 million in property damage. Users need to keep in mind that if they’re going to use candles, they need to place them away from flammable items and away from children and pets to avoid the risk of having them accidentally tipped over. If you are leaving a candle out to help me find the cookies you've baked, you don't need to worry, I can see just fine in the dark, so blow that candle out before you go to bed.
For any additional information on these or any other items, please contact the fire department at your convenience at (760) 934-2300. Let’s make this a fire safe holiday season.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 December 2007 )
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