Crime & Safety

Harrison Fire Department Offers Holiday Safety Tips

Keep your family and home safe while celebrating the holidays this weekend.

From the Harrison Fire Department:

Indoor and outdoor decorating is a great holiday tradition and in the spirit of the holiday season, many of us decorate our homes and places of work with trees, signs, lights and candles. Unfortunately, the improper use of holiday decorations could place you and those around you at higher risk for an accident to happen.  

Here are some basic tips to help make your holiday season a safe and happy one:

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GENERAL SAFETY

  • Make sure your family and anyone staying for the holidays know your home fire escape plan.
  • Have your fireplace or wood-stove chimney cleaned and inspected prior to using for the season.
  • Check all of your smoke alarms.
  • Whenever possible, use flame-retardant or flame-resistant decorations.
  • Take care not to overload electrical circuits. Use “listed” power blocks or strips with automatic circuit protection against overloading and overheating.
  • Do not place candles on or near any trees or plants whether real or artificial.
  • Always use candles in sturdy holders that adequately collect dripping wax.

TREES

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For many people, a tree in their home signifies the beginning of the holiday season. Consider the following before placing your tree:

  • The tree should not be located in the way of doors, windows, or in paths used for exiting.
  • Trees should be placed at a distance away from open flames and ignition sources that are at least equal to the height of the tree. This includes heaters, fireplaces, and woodstoves.
  • Make sure electrical lighting and decorations are “listed” such as the “UL” label, and that they are labeled for “indoor” use. Do not use lights on metal trees.
  • Lots of people enjoy bringing a natural cut tree into their home or place of business. New York State Fire Code imposes restrictions on placing natural cut trees in buildings such as theaters, schools, hotels, restaurants, covered malls, assisted living homes and retail stores. If you wish to place a natural tree in one of these types of buildings, you can check with your local fire inspector or building inspector for more specific restrictions or conditions.  

Some general guidelines for natural cut trees are:

  • Choose a tree that is not dry and is not dropping needles.
  • Use a stand that can adequately support the tree. Cut at least ½ inch of the stem off to give a fresh surface for the water to be in contact with.
  • Make sure the tree stem is covered by at least two inches of water at all times and check the level at least once a day. Proper maintenance and watering will make the tree safe and last throughout the holiday season.
  • If needles easily fall from the tree when shaken or if the needles break when pinched, the tree is too dry for indoor use and should be removed.
  • Place trees away from heaters and the path of heat vents. Additional heat will dry the tree faster.

On behalf of the Harrison Fire Department, have a happy and safe holiday season.


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