'Tis the season for fire hazards

Christmas is a season lots of people associate with lights, trees, and children. But according to State Fire Marshal Michael P. Bell, those three things can add up to a deadly combination.

According to the Fire Marshal's office, nine deaths and more than $1.9 million dollars in damages are blamed on fires that started on and around Christmas trees since 2000. There are ways to protect your family while still enjoying live trees, Christmas lights, and kids this season.

Decorative Lighting:

• Only use lights that bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and use the lights according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not connect too many light sets together, and install light sets outside the home only if they are specifically labeled for outside use. Outdoor lights should be fastened with hangars, not staples, and should be placed on a ground fault interrupter circuit when possible.
• Use the replacement bulbs that have the correct wattage, and replace light sets and extension cords that are worn or cracked. Use as few extension cords as possible, and do not run them under rugs or over sharp objects.
• Decorative candles should be secured and kept away from material that could easily ignite. Candles should be extinguished before leavening the house or going to bed.

Live Christmas Trees:

• Live Christmas trees should be as fresh as possible. Make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk, and place the tree in a sturdy stand. Locate the tree as far away from heat sources as possible and water it daily. Do not block our primary or alternative escape routes.

            Selecting a tree:

• Make sure the needles are flexible and hard to pull off the branch. The needles should not break off easily on a fresh cut tree. If you bounce the tree trunk on the ground and a lot of needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long ago and has probably dried out. It is a fire hazard.
• The trunk should be sticky to the touch.
• Cut about an inch off the bottom of the tree before putting it in the tree stand.
• Keep the stand filled with water and check the water level daily.
• Place your tree away from any heat source, including a heat vent, fireplace, or space heater.
• Never place any lighted candles near the tree or anywhere near the area where the tree may fall if knocked over by a pet or child.
• When tree becomes dry; discard it promptly.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. It can cause a creosote buildup in the chimney, which is a fire hazard.

            Tree Decorations:

• Inspect all lights for bare spots, frayed wires, gaps in insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive wear.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or connect more than 3 light strands together.
• Do not leave lights on when not at home or sleeping.

Have a safe, and very happy Holiday Season!