Fire Dept Urges Residents to Stay Safe with Holiday Decorations

SAN BERNARDINO>> With the holiday season upon us, the San Bernardino County Fire Department reminds residents of the following holiday decorating and natural Christmas tree safety tips. Before residents put up any electrically lighted decorations, it is important to check the equipment to make sure it will operate safely. Check for burned-out lights, empty sockets and broken bulbs. Inspect wires carefully for breaks, fraying and damaged connections before energizing your holiday decorations. Any damaged strands of lights should be thrown out. Whether you have an artificial or natural tree this year, both can be enjoyed safely. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is made of safe, fireproof materials. If your artificial tree is pre-lit, make sure you test the tree and check all electrical cords and connectors for damage, fraying or broken parts before using the tree. On a pre-lit tree, check carefully for burnt-out, broken or damaged light sockets. Damaged equipment should be replaced or repaired before using the tree. If you use a natural tree, make a fresh 1-inch cut at the base to open up pores clogged by sap. The fresh cut surface should be creamy-white so that the tree will be able to drink water. For a natural tree, choose a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water. Rinse the stand with a mixture of one cap full of bleach and one cup of water before inserting the tree. This rinsing reduces the growth of microorganisms that can block the tree’s ability to absorb water. If the tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of water in a cool place away from wind and sun. An average natural tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day. If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed. Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce drying on a natural tree. Always check lights for frayed or cracked wiring and broken sockets before placing on a tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light, it is better to just throw it away. Turn off tree lights when leaving the house or before going to bed. Avoid overloading circuits and plug no more than three light sets into a single outlet. Place the tree away from heat sources including heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, TV sets or sunny windows. Keep rearranged furniture away from heat sources as well. Be careful not to block a door with the tree or with rearranged furniture. After the holidays, remove a natural tree from the house as soon as possible. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace; it burns too fast and is explosive. The best alternative is to recycle your tree through your local city or county program.