November 21, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2006-51) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org HOLIDAY-CHRISTMAS SAFETY A fire on any day seems bad, but a fire on Christmas seems to be the worst. Christmas trees were the items first ignited in an estimated average of 310 reported U.S home structure fires per year in 1999-2002. These fires caused an average of 14 civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $16.2 million in direct property damage per year. These statistics include both real and artificial trees. On average, one in every 22 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. More than four of every ten home Christmas tree fires are caused by an electrical problem or malfunction. One in four (24%) home Christmas tree fires resulted from a heat source placed too close to the tree. Seven percent were started by children playing with fire. When equipment was involved in the ignition of the fire, Lamps, Bulbs or Lighting (18%), and Cords or Plugs (13%) were cited more often than any other type of equipment. No equipment was involved in 44% of these fires. Candles were the heat source in 8% of the home Christmas tree fires reported per year. Sixty-one percent of the home Christmas tree fires were reported in December, 22% were reported in January. Not surprisingly, the number of these fires spikes during the week of December 22-28. Here’s how to keep your tree green and your presents safe. Selecting a Christmas Tree • Make sure the tree is fresh, not dry and losing its needles. A tree should not loose green needles when you tap it on the ground. • Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needles pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap. • Cut off about one-two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly. • The stand should hold at least one (1) gallon of water. A 6-foot tree will use approximately one (1) gallon of water every two days. Be sure to check the water level every day. • If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Of if your tree stand is cheap; buy a larger, stronger one. • When purchasing an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as fire-retardant. Artitical trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. Selecting a Location • Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully; attempt to locate it in a cool location, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree. • 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. • Keep the tree out of high traffic areas and away from stairways and doors. • Secure the tree so that it cannot be knocked over by pets or small children. Tree Lights • Only use lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. • Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or broken. Christmas lights are relatively cheap and worth the cost to prevent a fire. • Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs or carpets. • Replace older style, light bulb type lights. These light bulbs produce too much heat and can cause various problems. When buying new lights, buy low-heat mini-lights. These lights are much safer. • Remember: If any of your lights are too hot to handle, you run the risk of someone (especially a child) touching the lights and burning their hands and causing a fire. • Be able to turn off the lights without having to crawl under the tree. • Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. • Never use electric lights on a metal tree. Tree Ornaments • Always use proper step stool or ladder to reach high places. • Read labels before you use materials that comes in jars, cans and spray cans. • Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials. • Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them. When to Remove a Tree The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department recommends that a tree is removed from the home in the event that it becomes dry and begins shedding needles. DON’T TAKE A CHANCE! Remove the tree as soon as possible after Christmas. Dispose of all papers and boxes at once; do not allow them to accumulate. NEVER burn a tree in a fireplace. Dry Christmas trees burn very hot and extremely quick. The fire may rapidly leave the fireplace and move into your room. Also, a Christmas tree is very oily and may damage your fireplace. For City of Mobile residents, trees will be picked up curbside, on normal trash pickup days. But it is recommended that you drop them off at any Keep Mobile Beautiful pre-designated public drop off locations for recycling (locations and details to be announced at a later date). Any questions about tree recycling call Keep Mobile Beautiful at 208-6026. ###