Christmas and Chanukah are a special time of year for celebration and should not end in tragedy because of the extra hazards that are present at this time of year.

Christmas tree lights, multiple sets of lights, electric menorahs, and other kinds of decorative lights, are used less often than your everyday lights, and they need more care.  Check the fuses are the right type (see their original boxes for the maximum size of fuse you should use).

• If bulbs blow, replace them
• Dont leave lights on when you go out or go to sleep
• Dont let the bulbs touch anything that can easily burn, like paper or window shades or curtains
• Dont overload sockets.

 Decorations

• Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard burn easily.
• Dont attach them to lights or heaters
• Dont put them immediately above or around a fireplace
• Keep them away from candles

 Christmas Trees

Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping alive tree in the house.  A burning tree can rapidly fill a room with fire and deadly gases. 

Selecting a tree for Christmas.  When selecting a tree, needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches.  The needles should not break if the tree had been freshly cut.  The trunk should be sticky to the touch. 

Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground.  If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard.

Caring For Your Tree

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace, radiator or heat vent.  The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame, or sparks.  Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.  Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.  Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.

Disposing of Your Tree

Never put trees, branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.  When a tree becomes dry, dispose of it immediately.  The best way to dispose of your tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it hauled away by a community pick up service.

Chanukah Menorah

Keep the Menorah and all burning candies out of children's reach; keep matches, oil and lighters out of sight and locked away.

• Do not leave candles unattended.
• Do not place the Menorah near draperies or anything that might easily catch fire.
• Teach children not to touch burning candles.
• If using decorative electric Menorahs, use only UL approved appliances and cords, Inspect all wires for frayed wires or broken sockets. Turn off lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• When frying latkes, always keep baking soda and a cover for the frying pan nearby.  Cover a frying pan with a frying screen to prevent grease splatters and burns.
• Always keep a 10 lb. ABS fire extinguisher near the kitchen, away from the stove.

A Unique Gift That Shows You Care

Put together a gift basket containing one or more of the following items:

•  Three smoke detectors and batteries.
•  A quality fire extinguisher.
•  A flashlight and batteries or light sticks.
•  A first-aid kit.
•  A carbon Monoxide detector.
•  A mobile phone.
•  A second floor escape ladder.
• "Emergency kit"- energy bars, water, battery radio, flashlight/light sticks and a first-aid kit packed in a small travel bag. 

Have A Safe And Joyous Holiday Season

And A Peaceful New Year

Santa