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.