It might be long, but it might just save a life! CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY JBSA –Fort Sam Houston, Fire Emergency Services On the average, during December over 600 Christmas tree fires occur. These fires cause: - 33 people to lose their lives - Serious injury to 112 people - Over $21 million dollars in damage Fire-resistant non-metallic artificial trees are highly recommended. If you get a real tree: - It should not lose its needles when tapped on the ground. - Cut 1” off the trunk then place in water immediately to help the tree absorb water. - Tree stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water - A 6 foot tree will use 1 gal. of water every 2 days. - Check water level every day - 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. Wash your hands after handling lights and decorations – Due to lead dust found on most imported decorations. Use miniature lights - which have cool-burning bulbs. Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or leave your home. Never use real candles on or near an artificial or real tree. Ensure tinsel or artificial icicles are of non-leaded material. Leaded materials may be hazardous if eaten by children or pets. Avoid decorations that tend to break easily or have sharp edges. Keep tree trimmings that are small or have removable parts out of the reach of small children. These pieces may be swallowed. Clean the tree stand to improve the tree’s water intake; do not let the tree be out of water for more than two minutes. Dispose of the tree properly, NEVER BURN IT IN THE FIREPLACE. Decorations for Installation Facilities/Work Areas - Electric string lights and wiring must be UL (or equivalent) approved and in good operating condition - Unplug all electrical decorations when work area is unoccupied - Decorations shall be noncombustible or fire retardant. - Larger decorations, i.e., Christmas trees or fake fireplaces, if authorized, shall not block exits or paths of egress. - Decorations utilizing an open flame are prohibited. MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY!! JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Fire Emergency Services
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 15:27:58 +0000