Recreation & Holidays: Winter Holiday Safety Tips

Christmas Tree Graphic

Selecting a Christmas Tree

  • Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and should not break.
  • The trunk should be sticky to the touch.
  • Bounce the tree trunk on the ground, if many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and it is a fire hazard.

Caring for Your Tree

  • Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
  • Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of your tree

  • Do not burn tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.

Candle Safety

  • Place candles in a sturdy fire-proof container that won't be tipped over.
  • Extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Supervise children or pets around candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters away from children.
  • Do not put lit candles on a tree or wreath.

Christmas Lights

  • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
  • Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets.
  • Connect only three light strands together, unless the directions indicate it is safe.
  • Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
  • Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
  • Unplug holiday lights when you are not home.

Smoke Alarms/Detectors & Home Escape Plans

  • Working smoke alarms/detectors more than double your chances of surviving a fire.
  • Install a smoke alarm on every level of you house, test them monthly, keep them clean and change the batteries when you change your clocks.
  • When the smoke alarm sounds, get out fast and stay out!
  • Plan your escape. Know two ways out of every room.
  • Practice your escape plan with your whole family at least twice a year.
  • If your clothes catch on fire, STOP, DROP, (Cover Your Face) and ROLL!

Wood Stoves & Fireplaces

  • Have a certified chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney.
  • Place ashes outdoors in a covered metal container at least three feet away from anything that burns.
  • Burn, don't trash, dry well-seasoned wood.
  • Always use a fireplace screen made of sturdy metal or heat-tempered glass to prevent sparks from escaping. If you have children, use a special child-guard screen as a barrier.
  • Never burn wrapping paper.

Space Heaters

  • Give heaters space - at least 36 inches between the heater and everything else.
  • Turn off portable heaters when family members leave the house or are sleeping.
  • An adult should always be present when a space heater is used around children.
  • Make sure your heater is UL approved and has a tip-over shut off function.