The Landis Fire Department wants you to know about Holiday Fire Safety. Each year, according to the United States Fire Administration, fires occurring during the holiday season injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damages.
Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in the house. A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases.
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long ago, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame, or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand always filled with water.
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires — they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended!
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
Candles Can Be Dangerous. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame—candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and always equipped with fresh batteries. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.
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Email: contactus@townoflandisnc.gov
Phone: 704.857.2411
Fax: 704.855.3350
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
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