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Fire safety tips to ensure merry and happy holiday

By: Captain Brent Mix , Public Information Officer

Christmas time is upon us, where has this year gone? The Show Low Fire Department would like to share a few safety tips with all of the White Mountain residents, this holiday season.

A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground.

  • Cut one inch off the trunk to help absorb water.
  • Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
  • The tree stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water. A six foot tree will use one gallon of water every two days.
  • Mix a commercial preservative with the water.
  • Check the water level every day.
  • Secure the tree to the wall, to prevent tipping.
  • Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fire places or other heat sources.
  • Use only UL-listed lights and no more than three strands linked together.
  • Use miniature lights, which are cooler than bigger older bulbs.
  • Turn off Christmas lights when you sleep or if you leave your home for very long.
  • Never use candles on real or fake trees.
  • Dispose of the tree properly.

The holiday season is typically regarded as extending from late November to early January and includes Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and New Year’s Day. Using the latest three years of data, the yearly estimated fire loss for Dec. 24-26 is estimated at over $80 million. Each year, these losses result from an estimated 11,600 fires that required a fire department response. These fires cause an annual average of approximately 250 injuries and 40 fatalities.

From all of us, at Show Low Fire. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

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November 23rd, 2009 | Category: Holiday Safety

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