Safe Use of Christmas Lights
Dry trees and improper use of Christmas lights can lead to tragedy. A dry tree can be consumed by fire in three seconds, generating such intense heat that surrounding furnishings, walls and window coverings ignite in less than a minute. Here are some ways you can avoid trouble:
Average tree can absorb up to a gallon of water per day.
If the water level falls below the cut at the end of the trunk, the trunk will seal itself and prevent further absorption of water.
* Use lights and bulbs approved by Underwriters Laboratories. These meet stricter safety requirements.
* Do not use outdoor bulbs indoors; they generate more heat, which dries the tree faster
* Minilights generate less heat and are safer.
* Some decorations, usually tree toppers are equipped with special 12-volt lights. Do not use these bulbs in combination with lower-voltage minilights.
TREE TIPS
* Needles should be springy and difficult to pull off the tree.
* Get a tree that has been treated with flame-retardant material.
* Keep tree away from sunny windows and all sources of heat.
* Do not block exits with the tree or rearranged furniture.
* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
* Allow space around the tree to ventilate heat from lights.
* Dispose of tree when it gets dry. Do not burn in fireplace.
LIGHTS
* Do not use outdoor lights indoors, or indoor lights outdoors.
* Check for bare wires, broken or cracked sockets.
* Do not try to fix damaged sets.
* Do not splice light strings together.
* Outdoors, point bulbs downward so moisture drains off the end of the bulb and not into the socket.
* Outdoor lights should be fastened security to prevent wind damage. Use plastic clips rather than nails, tacks or staples that can cut through insulation.
* Turn off all lights when leaving home or going to bed.
* For added protection, plug outdoor lights into outlets protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable GFCIs are available from electrical supply stores. Indoors, plug lights into a multiple-socket surge protector.
EXTENSION CORD
* Do not use if it is cut, frayed or damaged.
* Don’t connect more than three light strings to a cord.
* Don’t use outdoors if it isn’t UL-rated for outdoor use.
* Unplug cord when not in use.
* Do not run cord through a door or window, or through standing water or extremely wet areas.
* Do not use cord that feels hot to the touch.
* Plug it into a protected outdoor outlet.
* Store indoors when not in use.
More information: Orange County Fire Authority Web site at https://www.ocfa.org; Underwriters Laboratories Web site at https://www.ul.com