The City of Summit Fire Department is sharing some safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for an enjoyable and safe holiday season.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the maximum number of light strands that can be connected. Be sure to inspect lights before installation, and throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. When using lit candles, ensure they are stable and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable. The top four days for candle fires are Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- Ensure trees are at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, and heat vents. One in every four Christmas tree fires is caused by a heat source that is too close to the tree.
- Although live Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are dangerous. On average, one of every 34 reported home Christmas tree fires results in death.
- Water Christmas trees every day, and dispose of trees when they become dry. Trees are more likely to catch fire if they are dry than if they are properly maintained. This video from National Institute of Standards and Technology shows how quickly a dry tree can catch fire.
For more information, please visit www.usfa.fema.gov or www.nfpa.org, or contact the Summit Fire Department at 908-277-1033.