NEWS
|
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
December 12, 2001
MEDIA CONTACT:
David Falletta (408) 730-7100
Linda Bagneschi (408) 730-7476 |
|
Residents Reminded to Practice Safe Fire Habits During
Holidays
Sunnyvale, CA (12/19/01) – The Sunnyvale Department of
Public Safety reminds residents to practice safe habits to prevent fires during
the holiday season. Simple measures
such as following manufacturers’ instructions about proper use of tree lights,
unplugging tree lights when leaving home, and keeping lit candles away from the
tree can help keep the holiday season safe.
“Fire-related deaths and injuries more than double
during the holiday season,” said David Falletta, Public Safety Officer in
Sunnyvale’s Department of Public Safety.
“By following these simple safety tips, residents can improve the
likelihood of a safe and festive holiday.”
Many
people choose to celebrate the holiday season by decorating their homes with
electric lights, candles, banners and wreaths. The Christmas tree is among
the most popular of these decorations, estimated to be present in one-third of
American households. Falletta notes that the risk of fire increases as
Christmas trees dry out, and the use of candles contributes to the incidence of
holiday fires. Each year, an estimated 12,000 fires occur nationwide
during the holiday season, resulting in about 40 deaths, 250 injuries, and an
estimated $80 million in losses.
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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.
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Never use
electric lights on a metal tree.
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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.
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Never use lit
candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.
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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.
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Choose a sturdy
tree stand designed not to tip over.
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When purchasing
an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
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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.
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Store matches
and lighters in in a high location out of the reach of childre, preferably
in a locked cabinet.
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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.
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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.