Fire dept offers holiday decoration fire safety tips Published Dec. 9, 2009 Dobbins Fire Department DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- *The Dobbins Fire Department wishes everyone a happy and fire safe holiday* Each year thousands suffer injury, burns and death due to holiday decorations and carelessness. Trees, lights, and ornaments produce extra hazards in our homes and workplaces at a time when the hectic season may distract us from fire safety. To safely enjoy the holiday season the Dobbins Fire Department offers the following guidelines for a happy holiday. Holiday Trees If you buy a natural cut tree, check for freshness. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree and a serious fire hazard. Fresh needles won't break when bent. Keep the tree outside until you can decorate it. Cut off one to two inches of the base and place it in a stable holder. Keep the holder filled with water and keep the tree away from direct heat sources. Natural trees are only authorized in base facilities that have a fire sprinkler system. They cannot be set up before Dec. 14 and must be removed by Jan. 4. Remember, dry trees can burn like a torch and spread a fire! Lighting Decorations should not obstruct corridors, exits, means of egress or be hung from fire detection devices (smoke detectors/sprinkler). Check all lighting for safety. Look for frayed or broken areas where wires are exposed. Damaged lights should be discarded. No more than three sets of lights should be on an extension cord. Overloading cords can start a fire. Keep connections away from the water base and use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed cords of the correct size. Misc Unplug all lights before leaving the house or workplace. Do not use real candles; electric candles that are UL approved are a safer option. Keep all ornaments and cords away from children and pets.
