Artificial Christmas Tree Fire

This morning we worked with WJLA Channel 7 to highlight how an artificial tree might catch fire and just how quickly it can become engulfed. This was live on Channel 7 and the below video was live on our Periscope page.

Impressive video!

Several of the safety tips for "live" Christmas tress hold true for artificial trees. Remember:

• Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators and wood stoves 
• Decorate your tree using only UL (Underwriters' Lab Inc.) approved lights and cords 
• Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections or broken sockets. 
• Do not overload extension cords. Use no more than three strings of lights on one extension cord, and never run an electrical cord under a carpet. 
• Turn off the tree lights when you go to bed, depart from home or leave the tree in an unattended room.

Avoid the 12 Dangers of Christmas

From our friends at the Electrical Safety Foundation International.  Please take a moment to view and take preventive action if need be.    

1. Do not use electronic near water
2. Never sleep with electronics under your pillow
3. Keep batteries safely stored in their packaging they can be deadly if swallowed
4. Do not leave space heaters unattended when in use
5. Keep decorations at least 3 feet away from any open flame
6. Never play with fire
7. Do not run cords under carpets, rugs, furniture, or out of windows
8. Do not overload outlets
9. Sometimes less is more be careful not to over decorate
10. Always turn off decorations when you’re sleeping or leaving your home
11. Inspect all decorations and discard any that are damaged or worn
12. Keep your natural Christmas tree hydrated and water it daily

Fireplace and Wood Burning Safety

During the holiday season many residents build a fire in the fireplace to add warmth and cheer to their home for family and friends.  According to weather forecasts for this week, it will be plenty warm but we will assume fires will still be built to add cheer to this festive time of year! 

With that in mind, please make sure you understand how to properly dispose of fireplace ashes as many people are unaware of the danger ashes can create.

Fireplace and wood-stove ashes retain enough heat to ignite other combustible materials for several days after a fire. It is important to learn the following ways to dispose of fireplace and wood-stove ashes properly:

• DO NOT discard your ashes into any combustible container like a paper or plastic bag, a cardboard box, or a plastic trash can.
• DO put ashes into a non-combustible metal container with a lid.
• DO pour water into the container to make sure the ashes are cool.
• DO keep your can OUTSIDE the home, away from combustibles.
• DO teach all family members to be safe with ashes from your fireplace or wood stove.

As always, please make sure you test your smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries twice a year. Practice and plan a family home escape plan.

Yule Light Up My Life

A timely message from our partners in safety at the NFPA!