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Holiday Safety Tips

As the holidays fast approach everyone needs to keep in mind the most important gift of all. The gift of life!!! Fires and fatal mishaps during the holiday season is one of the leading causes of fires and deaths. With these simple safety tips it can greatly reduce your risk of property and personal loss this holiday season.

TREE SAFETY

• Never use candles as decorations.

• Keep tree away from heat. (Minimum of 3ft)                    

• Water a cut tree daily.

• Use a “non-tip” style tree stand.

• Use only flame retardant decorations.

• Never leave a lit tree unattended.

• Dispose of your tree properly, soon after the holiday before needles dry out.

• Artificial trees should have a flame retardant label

Remember always keep a fire extinguisher close by!!

KEEP THE SEASON BRIGHT…

WATCH THOSE LIGHTS !

• Unplug all lighting before retiring for the evening or leaving the house.

• Blow out candles before leaving the room. Don't leave candles burning unattended.

• Purchase lights and electric decorations which are listed by an approved testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).

• Check all lighting for frayed wires, broken plugs, sockets, etc.

• Never overload outlets. Use no more than three strands of lights on a single extension cord.

• Never use candles on trees, near live or other flammable decorations.

• Never hang lights on a metallic tree.

• Always use appropriate weatherproof lights for outdoors.

Massachusetts Facts

-During the 2006-2007-winter holiday season there were 1,509 residential structure fires with 3 civilian deaths, 29 civilian injuries, 32 fire service injuries & $14 million loss.

-Christmas Day had the second most residential fires of any day during the past 5 years (2002 – 2006); Christmas Eve had the ninth most.

-The 2006-2007-holiday season had 15 Christmas tree fires; 13 were in homes. 2 were outside.

If anyone has any questions about holiday safety please feel free to e-mail or call us and we will be glad to help.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

Your Fire Safety Officers,

                                      Officer Stephen DiGiovanni

                                      sdigiovanni@qcc.mass.edu

Station- 508-854-4221