Protect against danger with tree safety

  • Published
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Safety
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 14,000 injuries related to holiday decorations in 2011, an increase of 1,000 over the previous year. To ensure a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends, here are 12 tips to keep in mind as you deck your home:

Keep live trees away from heat sources: Place your tree away from fireplaces, hot air vents, radiators, stoves and heaters, and keep a fire extinguisher near your tree. Live trees are highly flammable due to needles and sap. Also, don't combine "angel-hair" and spray flocking. The combination is highly combustible.

Hydrate your tree: Don't let a tree go without water and dry out. A dried-out tree can catch fire faster than one that has been properly watered. An 8-foot dry tree can burn completely down in 27 seconds. Check the water level every other day to ensure proper hydration.

Fake it! : If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it's labeled "fire resistant." Fire-resistant (which does not mean fireproof) trees are less susceptible to catching fire.

Don't burn wrapping paper in the fireplace: Paper can catch fire very quickly and can cause flash fires. Instead, recycle (or better yet, reuse!) your wrapping paper.

Work as a team: When stringing lights and decorations above your normal reach, make sure you use a proper ladder with someone supporting the base.

Double-check your lights for safety: Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, and loose connections - and don't use electric lights on metal or aluminum trees.

Power down before you turn in: Turn off all lights when you go to bed and before leaving the house to avoid a short that could start an electrical fire.

Prevent electrical cord damage: Don't mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks. Use hooks or insulated staples instead.

Secure candles: Keep candles on a sturdy base to prevent tipping. Never leave a lit candle unattended.

Use unbreakable ornaments: If you have fragile ornament, place them out of reach from pets and kids. Do buy non-leaded and non-flammable ornaments.

Skip the fake food: Avoid decorations that look like candy or food if you have young children in the house.

Beware of poisonous plants: While festive, poinsettias are poisonous when eaten, so keep them out of reach of kids and pets.