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Firemen’s Association of NY reminds St. Lawrence County residents of holiday safety hazards

Posted 12/24/14

With the holiday season in full swing, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is reminding St. Lawrence County residents of the safety hazards associated with this time of the …

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Firemen’s Association of NY reminds St. Lawrence County residents of holiday safety hazards

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With the holiday season in full swing, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is reminding St. Lawrence County residents of the safety hazards associated with this time of the year, and offer a few simple tips to keep oneself in the frying pan and out of the fire.

“Please avoid using older electric light strands with frayed wiring or broken bulbs, don’t place candles near combustible materials such as curtains and do not allow your Christmas tree to dry out. It must be continually hydrated,” said FASNY President Robert McConville. “We see more and more fires happening during the holidays, so we are urging folks to follow this advice in order to keep this festive season safe and happy.”

Between 2007 and 2011, fire departments in the United States responded to over 10,000 house fires that candles started. An additional 230 house fires in that same period can be traced to dry or poorly-wired Christmas trees. Nearly half of all fires during the holiday season are started because decorations are placed too close to a heat source, according to FASNY.

Picking Christmas Trees

When choosing a Christmas tree, FASNY suggests checking it for dryness while at the seller’s lot. Shake the trunk above a light-colored surface and watch for falling needles. If too many dry needles fall, choose a fresher tree. A locallygrown tree from New York may be fresher than one brought in from out of state, FASNY said.

Avoid trees with an artificial-looking green tint on the branches or trunk. These may have been spray-painted to improve their appearance. The paint used may be combustible and could be hazardous. When in doubt, ask the seller if they sell painted trees, FASNY said.

Have the merchant saw off an inch or two from the trunk of the tree to help keep the tree fresh longer at home; also, if your tree is left outside, placing the trunk in a bucket of water will help keep it fresh.

When disposing of a tree, don’t leave it inside or place it against the exterior of a home or building. In both cases, the tree is likely dried out and thus poses an increased fire hazard, FASNY said.

Choosing Holiday Decorations and Lighting

When possible, choose decorations made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials, which should be marked on the packaging.

Purchase lights and electrical decorations stamped with the name or symbol of an independent testing lab, such as “UL” or Underwiters’ Laboratories. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance, FASNY said.

Carefully inspect new and previously used light strands. Look for frayed cables and replace any damaged or missing bulbs before plugging lights in.

Do not overload extension cords, surge protectors and electrical outlets.

When using power cords to illuminate outdoor displays, ensure that they are designated for external or outdoor use only. Never use power cords that are meant for indoor use. This information is usually indicated on the product’s packaging.

Turn lights off overnight. If possible, use a timer device to turn lights off automatically. This not only lessens the risk of fire, but saves on your energy bills as well, FASNY said.

Holiday Candles, Candlabras

Keep lighted candles and candelabras at least one foot away from any combustible materials. Don’t place candles anywhere near window curtains, furniture, wrapped gifts or anything else that could ignite, FASNY suggests.

Place candles and candelabras where they cannot be knocked down, tipped or blown over. If possible, keep the candle inside a weighted holder or one with a wide base.

Extinguish a candle before it burns to within two inches of its holder.

Never leave a lighted candle unattended. Extinguish a candle before leaving the room, FASNY said.

Discourage using candles in bedrooms and other areas where people may fall asleep.

Store matches and lighters in high places, out of the reach of children and, ideally, inside a locked cabinet.

Consider using battery-powered candles. If using electrical plug-in candles, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, FASNY suggests

For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website at www.nfpa.org.