The Saint John Fire Department would like to remind citizens
of some basic measures you can take to keep your home and family safe from fire
this holiday season.
The Christmas Tree
- Get a freshly cut tree.
It will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard. Try to pick a tree with a strong green colour
and noticeable fragrance.
- Always test for freshness before buying. A tree with high
moisture content is safer. Very few needles should fall when the butt of the
tree is tapped on the ground; needles should bend, not break; and the stump
should be sticky with resin.
- Place the tree in a stand that will hold 2 to 3 litres of
water and top it up daily. Make sure it is always immersed in water: If water
drops below the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut. Use a
tree stand that has widespread legs for better balance.
- Do not set your tree up near a heat source such as a
radiator, television, fireplace, heating duct or sunny window. It should not
block doors.
- Never use lighted candles on the tree.
- Remove the tree within 10 to 14 days. After that amount of
time in a heated building, even the freshest tree can start to dry out.
Decorations
- Choose decorations that are flame-retardant, non-combustible
and non-conductive.
- If there are young children or pets in your home, avoid very
small decorations.
- Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on
snowflakes. This combination is highly combustible.
- Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. If they make
contact with defective wiring they could become a shock hazard.
Lights
- Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light
strings/sets.
- Use the proper lights for the environment. Indoor light
strings/sets should not be used outdoors because they lack weatherproof
connections. Some outdoor light strings/sets burn too hot indoors.
- Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked
bulbs and for frayed, broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty.
- Do not use electric light strings/sets on metallic trees. A
faulty system could energize the tree and shock or electrocute anyone coming
into contact. Illuminate metallic trees with colored floodlights placed at a
safe distance from the tree and out of reach.
- Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the
night or before leaving the house.
For more tips on fire safety around the holiday season,
please visit saintjohn.ca/fire or call the Saint John Fire Department at
658-2910.