The Detroit Fire Department encourages residents to use caution with Christmas trees and lights. Here are some safety tips to follow:
CHRISTMAS TREES
If you use a natural Christmas tree:
- Make certain that the trunk is sticky with resin and the needles bend as opposed to breaking.
- Keep the tree away from any heat source, such as a heat vent, radiator or fireplace, and out of exit paths.
- Keep your tree full of water and check it daily.
- Avoid trees sprayed with coloring. Don’t spray a tree with any product containing chemicals or flammables.
- Trim the lower branches to avoid eye injuries to small children.
- Dispose of your tree quickly after the holidays.
- Avoid the use of candles near combustible decorations, curtains or
other flammables.
If you use an artificial tree:
- Only use “off-tree” lighting with aluminum trees.
- Do not use combustible-type materials for decorating.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Observe the following safety tips when using lights:
- Replace strings of lights that have worn or frayed cords.
- Buy only lights that have been tested and carry a seal, such as that of the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Do not plug more than three sets of lights into one extension cord.
- Replace blown fuses with same size fuses, never with a larger size. Some appliances may have to be turned off or plugged into another outlet on a different circuit to remedy the condition.
- Make sure lights used outdoors have been approved for that type of use and are waterproof.
- Don’t leave the Christmas lights on overnight or when away from home.
People who smoke should also observe safety precautions during the holiday season:
- Smokers should keep smoldering cigarettes and cigar butts away from gift wrappings and away from Christmas trees, lights and other holiday decorations.
- Smokers should check furniture for fallen ashes and also empty ashtrays into a metal container with a cover or into the toilet.
The Detroit Fire Department does not recommend or encourage the use of kerosene heaters.
Residents who insist on using kerosene space heaters should observe the following safety precautions:
- Use only fuel recommended by the manufacturer
- Fill the heater outdoors and do not overfill.
- Properly ventilate the room where the heater is located.
- Operate the kerosene heater on a drip pan to contain any spills.
- Place the heater at least 3 feet away from any ordinary combustibles which include all household furniture.
- Have at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
- Do not place clothes or furniture near the heater.
- Do not leave children alone with heaters or operate heaters in children’s sleeping areas.
Residents who use electric space heaters should observe the following safety precautions:
- Use only electric heaters equipped with an auto shut-off and trip-over switch, or a thermostat-controlled model.
- Do not operate electric heaters near combustible materials or flammable liquids.
When using either electric or kerosene heaters, residents should:
- Purchase only UL approved heaters.
- Install approved smoke detectors.
- Read all operating instructions carefully.
- Do not leave the heater unattended or operate while sleeping.
For more information about fire safety, call the Detroit Fire Department Community Relations Division at (313) 596-2959.