Holiday Safety
Marquette City Fire Department would like to extend
wishes for a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season to all. Fires are
devastating no matter what time of year they occur; however, a fire during the
holidays is especially catastrophic. We would like to offer some suggestions
and tips on how to keep your home and family safe during the holiday seasons.
FACT: Christmas trees account for more than 50 fires per year.
TIPS:
- The trunk of the tree
should be freshly cut prior to installing.
- Maintaining tree water and
using a commercially available additive (plant food) are strongly
suggested.
- If tree needles fall out,
turn brown, or break rather than bend, the tree is too dry and should be
removed or replaced.
- Lights on trees should not
be illuminated while occupants are asleep or the home is unoccupied.
- Do not use candles for
decorative purposes on tree.
- Paper or other easily
combustible decorations should not be used.
- Tree should be supported
to prevent falling, especially where pets and small children are present.
- Trees should not be placed
in areas where they could block means of exiting.
- Natural trees should not
be set up more than 10 days prior to Christmas and taken down 10 days
after Christmas.
- Artificial trees labeled
"Flame Resistant" by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
are recommended.
FACT: The leading cause of holiday fires is faulty electrical equipment.
TIPS:
- Check electrical wiring
for damage prior to installation.
- Discard broken or worn
light sets.
- Be sure that lights are
rated for their intended use-exterior or interior.
- Insulation in wiring
deteriorates with heat, ultraviolet rays, and age. If your wires have been
stored in an attic for years or have been hanging outside in the wind and
sunlight, replace them. (Storage should be in a cool, dry place)
- Use only approved light
sets that have been tested by a third party testing laboratory.
- Turn lights off during
extreme weather or high winds.
- Use miniature lights on
natural Christmas trees to reduce the effects of heat and drying.
- Do not use electric lights
with metallic trees. A remote flood light or floor illumination is
suggested.
- Read and heed
manufacture's recommendations for maximum number of light sets that can be
strung in succession.
- Tape exterior cord
connections using duct or electrical tape.
- Make sure extension cords
used outside are exterior rated.
- Check fuse-boxes and
circuit breaker panels so that they are properly fused or breakered.