November 28, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-46) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SAFETY Carefully decorating Christmas trees can help make your holidays safer. Mobile Fire-Rescue Department wants to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. Don’t let carelessness ruin your holiday. Facts & figures  Christmas trees were the items first ignited in an estimated 360 reported U.S. structure fires per year resulting in 15 civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries, and $16.4 million in direct property damage per year, in 1999-2002. These include real as well as artificial trees.  Mobile averages approximately 4-5 tree related fires each year.  The leading factor contributing to Christmas tree fires and property damage was a heat source too close to combustibles, with 18 percent of the fires. Forty-four percent of Christmas tree fires in homes involved no equipment, but when equipment was cited it was usually electrical system components, as one would expect if decorative light on the trees, or the system feeding them power, were the primary problem.  The leading source of heat was arcing, accounting for 90 reported fires per year (30%), no civilian deaths, 10 civilian injuries, and $3.8 million in direct property damage per year. Radiated or conducted heat from properly operating equipment, the second leading cause accounted for 19 percent of the total. Safety tips  Dry evergreen will ignite quickly. To ensure you’re buying the freshest tree possible check for green needles that bend without breaking between your fingers, and is difficult to pull off branches. Cut approximately one or two inches off bottom of tree, to allow easier absorbency or water, and place in at least one gallon of water immediately. Water level should be checked twice daily to ensure that the tree stays fresh. On a daily basis, check for excessive needle drop or dry, brittle needles. If your tree fails these tests, it is dry and has become a fire hazard.  When decorating Christmas trees, always use safe tree lights. (Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.) Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb and all lights should be listed by a testing laboratory. i.e. Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual.  Do not overload electrical outlets. Avoid using extension cords if possible, otherwise, choose only heavy-duty cords. Connect no more than three standard size light sets per outlet. Outdoor lights should be rated for outdoor use. Do not use electrical lights on foil or metal constructed trees; so as to avoid electric short or shock hazards.  Try to position tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use tree lights. Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used.  Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.  Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.  Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.  Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.  When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.  Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them when around the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.  Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.  Make sure the tree is at least three feet (one meter) away from any heat source and try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.  Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house. The number of candle fires per month almost doubles in December, during the holiday season. Keep candles away from Christmas trees, wreaths, or other decorations. When using candles for decorations, use caution. Look around. Everywhere you look these days, you see beautiful candles being used for decoration, aromatherapy and atmosphere. When we look around, we see needless fire deaths because people left children unattended near candles, went to bed with candles burning or have placed candles too close to draperies or bedding. Sometimes, pets have tipped over candles. We have to take candle fire safety seriously.  Use sturdy candleholders that won't tip or burn.  Place candles away from windows or doorways or anywhere where drafts could affect the flame.  Always stay in the room where candles are being burned.  Burn candles on flat, sturdy, uncluttered surfaces.  Never leave candles burning when you go to bed.  Keep candles away from children.  Keep lit candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn such as curtains, bedding, clothing and furniture.  Trim candle wicks to one-quarter inch before lighting.  When lighting candles, keep your hair and clothing away from the flame.  Extinguish candles when they burn to within two inches of their holder.  Be careful not to splatter hot wax when extinguishing a candle.  Never spray an aerosol can (deodorant, hair spray) near an open flame.  Don't use candles in bedrooms and other areas where people may fall asleep.  Before leaving home or retiring for the evening, turn off all decorative lights, etc. ###