December 2, 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2002-43) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org Christmas Holiday Safety Tips Christmas trees and decorations are responsible for over 600 blazes each year and 3 to 4 average in Mobile. Tree lights account for over 2,300 injuries that require emergency treatment. Remember these rules for Christmas Trees and Holiday decorations.  Dry evergreen will ignite quickly. To ensure you’re buying the freshest tree possible check for green needles that bend without breaking between your fingers, and are difficult to pull off branches. Cut approximately 1/4 inch off bottom of tree, to allow easier absorbency or water, and place in water immediately. Water level should be checked twice daily for the first two weeks and once a day thereafter to ensure the tree stays fresh.  Select only lights that have a label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory i.e. Underwriters Laboratory or Factory Mutual System. Check all lights, new and used, for frayed wires, broken sockets, loose plugs, and cracks or cuts in the insulation. Discard damaged sets.  Do not overload electrical outlets. Avoid using extension cords if possible, otherwise, choose only heavy duty cords. Connect no more than three standard size light sets per outlet. Outdoor lights should be rated for outdoor use. Do not use electrical lights on foil or metal constructed trees, so as to avoid electric short or shock hazards.  Keep trees and all decorations away from open flames and heat sources, such as, fireplaces, space heaters, candles, heating vents, and other heat sources. This prevents prematurely drying out the tree or igniting the tree from stray sparks, etc.  When using candles for decorations, use caution. Look around. Everywhere you look these days, you see beautiful candles being used for decoration, aromatherapy and atmosphere. When we look around, we see needless fire deaths because people left children unattended near candles, went to bed with candles burning or have placed candles too close to draperies or bedding. Sometimes, pets have tipped over candles. We have to take candle fire safety seriously. • Make sure the candle sits properly in the holder and won't fall out. • Make sure the holder is on a flat surface and isn't unstable. • Never leave candles burning when you go to bed. • Never leave children unattended with candles burning. • Never place candles too close to flammable material, such as draperies, bedding, clothing and furniture. • Never spray an aerosol can (deodorant, hair spray) near an open flame.  Before leaving home or retiring for the evening, turn off all decorative lights, etc. Mobile Fire-Rescue Department wants to wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season. Don’t let carelessness ruin your holiday. ###