Holiday Fire Prevention

Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has 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 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 tree branches or needles in a fireplace or woodburning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.
Do Not Leave Holiday Lights on Unattended

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.
Never Put Wrapping Paper in a Fireplace
It can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home that could cause an explosion.
Artificial Holiday Trees
If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

CANDLE CARE

Avoid Using Lit Candles
If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a holiday tree with an open flame - candles, lighters or matches.

» Smoke Detector Program

Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times.

As our children learn from the time they start attending school, Smoke Detectors Save Lives! It is an unfortunate fact that many of our homes are not equipped with working smoke detectors.

Through a grant received from a FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety program, Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3 was recently able to purchase smoke detectors and spare 9-volt batteries for district residents.

» FREE SMOKE DETECTOR » FREE 9-VOLT BATTERY » FREE INSTALLATION

One of the goals of this program is to provide working smoke detectors, free of charge, for homes in our community. Along with working smoke detectors, we encourage our community residents to practice fire safety and have a home fire escape plan. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

Be Safe and Enjoy the Holidays!

509-447-5305

Pend Oreille County Fire District No. 3

325272 Hwy. 2

Newport, WA 99156

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