Holiday Safety

Christmas Trees
The risk of fire normally increases during the year-end holiday season. Whether from the increased use of decorations, the abundance of holiday parties, the extra burden on home heating equipment, or any number of other factors, the holiday season spells disaster to many families each year. The Grand Junction Fire Department encourages the citizens of the community to give some thought to fire safety and fire prevention, so that we can all enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Christmas trees that are not kept moist can present a very serious fire hazard. A dried out Christmas tree can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds. Most trees sold in the Valley have been cut out of the state and have been drying out since they were harvested, which could have been as late as mid-November. Take special precautions when buying your Christmas tree. Trees with brown shedding needles should be rejected. If the tree looks green and fresh, take a long needle and bend it between your thumb and forefinger. If it snaps, the tree is too dry. Look for trees with needles that bend. When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is dry.

When you bring a tree home, cut about an inch off the end of the trunk. This will remove the dried end and allow the tree to absorb water. Make checkerboard cuts into the base at different angles to make a greater surface for water absorption.

Christmas Tree Retardant

During the Christmas holiday season, you can increase your protection from home fires by using a fire retardant.

A fire retardant should be applied to evergreen trees, wreaths, paper or cloth decorations, etc. If these materials are not pre-treated with flame retardant, you will need to treat them.

The National Fire Protection Association has provided the following chemical flame retardant recipe that you can apply to trees and other combustibles: 9 oz Borax Powder; 4 oz Boric Acid; 1 gallon of water. Mix thoroughly and spray on or dip. Solution should drip off trees or material. It is recommended to do this outside or in a work area to avoid overspraying or excess dripping on furnishings or floors.

REMEMBER: WATER YOUR TREE!!! Applying fire retardant does not reduce or eliminate the need to keep water in your tree stand for your tree.

Lights
Use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the UL label from Underwriters Laboratories or another reputable testing agency. Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections.

Check labels of lights to be used outdoors to see that they are suitable for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outside. Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, walls or other firm support to protect them from wind damage. Use no more than three sets of lights per single extension. Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and do not use more than the recommended number of lights in one circuit.

When hanging lights take extra care not to put yourself in danger by operating off of a ladder of step stool in a dangerous way. It is always a good idea to have another person to help with hanging lights. Never try to hang lights from an electrical power line, and watch for electrical power lines so accidental contact with you, the ladder, or the light string does not occur.

Always turn off lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave your home. A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. Damaged insulation in lighting on a metallic tree could cause the entire tree to be charged with electricity. To avoid this danger, use colored
spotlights above or beside a metal tree, never fastened onto it.

Keep children away from light sets and electrical decorations. All lights present the problem of shock and casualty hazards for curious kids. When you are stringing the lights on your tree, be careful how you place them. Keep all bulbs turned away from gifts and paper ornaments. Lights in windows can cause curtains and drapes to ignite.

Candles
Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the season. But they are still a direct source of fire in your home. Keep candles a safe distance from other things. And remember that a flickering flame is a thing of fascination to little children. Keep candles out of their reach.

• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
• Always use non-flammable holders.
• Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.
• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.

Wrapping Paper
Dispose of gift wrappings soon after opening presents. A room full of paper lying around on the floor is just one more holiday hazard. Place trash in an approved container. Do not burn wrappings in the fireplace. They may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.

Christmas Gifts
One of the best Christmas gifts you can get someone is a smoke detector. A smoke detector is worth so much, possibly a loved one's life, yet so inexpensive. Over 90 percent of fire deaths occur in residential dwellings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are asleep. Smoke detectors alert occupants when a fire is still small and there is still time to escape.