Safety Advice for Christmas

TREE

* A healthy tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground.

* Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help it absorb water.

* Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.

* The stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water.

* A 6-foot tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days.

* Mix a commercial preservative with the water.

* Check the water level daily.

* Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping.

* Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fireplaces or other heat sources.

* Use only UL-approved lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together.

* Use miniature lights--which have cool-burning bulbs.

* Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home for very long.

* Never use candles, even on artificial trees.

* Clean the tree stand to improve the tree’s water intake, use one capful of bleach to a cup of water.

HOME

* Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the ones you have and test them.

* Use only outdoor lights outside your home.

* Examine light strings each year; discard worn ones.

* Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.

* Connect no more than three strands together.

* Never use indoor extension cords outside.

* Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.

* Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow.

* Unplug light string before replacing a bulb. Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage.

* Never use electric lights on a metallic tree; use colored spotlights.

* Make sure outdoor trees hung with Christmas lights are not touching power lines.

* When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles.

* Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember, hot wax burns kids.

* Extinguish candles before going to bed.

* Dispose of fireplace ashes in a metal container until cold.

* After parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of ashtrays.)

* Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

* Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

GIFT IDEA

Put together a gift basket containing one or more of the following items:

* Three smoke detectors and batteries.

* A quality fire extinguisher.

* A flashlight and batteries or light sticks.

* A first-aid kit.

* A carbon monoxide detector.

* A mobile phone.

* A second-floor escape ladder.

* “Emergency kit”--energy bars, water, battery radio, flashlight/light sticks and a first-aid kit packed in a small travel bag.

Source: Mesa, Ariz., Fire Department