STAY SAFE with
HOLIDAY Decorations
With the Holiday Season upon us, the San
Bernardino County Fire Department reminds residents of the following holiday
decorating and natural Christmas tree safety tips.
CHECK THE
LIGHTS, CHECK THE CORDS 
Before
you put up any electrically lighted decorations, you should check the equipment
to make sure it will operate safely. Check for burned-out lights, empty
sockets, and broken bulbs. Inspect wires carefully for breaks, fraying, and
damaged connections before energizing your holiday decorations. Any damaged
strands of lights should be thrown out.
ARTIFICIAL
OR NATURAL TREE?
Both
can be enjoyed safely. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is made of
safe, fireproof materials. If your artificial tree is pre-lit, make sure you
test the tree and check all electrical cords and connectors fordamage, fraying
or broken parts before using the tree. On a pre-lit tree, check carefully for
burnt-out, broken or damaged light sockets. Damaged equipment should be replaced
or repaired before using the tree.
MAKE A
FRESH CUT 
If
you use a natural tree, make a fresh 1-inch cut at the base to open up pores
clogged by sap. The fresh cut surface should be creamy-white so that the tree
will be able to drink water.
PUT IN
WATER
For
a natural tree, choose a sturdy stand that holds at least one gallon of water.
Rinse the stand with a mixture of one capful of bleach and one cup of water
before inserting the tree. This rinsing reduces the growth of microorganisms
that can block the tree’s ability to absorb water. If the tree is not going
into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of water in
a cool place away from wind and sun.
WATER
DAILY
An
average natural tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day.
If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and
no more water will be absorbed- SO
DON’T
FORGET TO WATER THE TREE EVERY DAY!
MINI-LIGHTS
PRODUCE LESS HEAT 
Miniature
lights produce less heat and reduce drying on a natural tree. Always check
lights for frayed or cracked wiring and broken sockets before placing on a
tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light—throw it away! Turn off tree lights
when leaving the house or before going to bed. Avoid overloading circuits. Plug
no more than three light sets into a single outlet.
KEEP AWAY
FROM HEAT SOURCES
Place
the tree away from heat sources: heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves,
radiators, T.V. sets, or sunny windows. Keep rearranged furniture away from
heat sources as well. Be careful not to block a door with the tree or with
rearranged furniture.
REMOVE AND
RECYCLE THE TREE PROMPTLY
After
the holidays, remove a natural tree from the house as soon as possible. Never
burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace; it burns too
fast and is explosive! The best alternative is to ……
RECYCLE your tree through your local city or county
program.
Have a
safe and Happy Holiday season!