Keizer, Oregon State Fire Officials' Holiday Home Safety Tips

Decorative lights, candles and Christmas trees can become fire hazards this time of year.

A home on Browning Ave SE in Salem already decorated for the holiday season. Photo: Kevin Hays

(SALEM) - There is never a good time for a family to suffer the ravages of fire. But the holidays are especially tragic time to have a fire in the home.

The displacement from the home, loss of gifts just purchased, or received make a fire during the Christmas season all the more tragic.

And if someone is injured or killed, this joyous time of the year loses that special joy forever.

To help families enjoy a happy holiday season Keizer Fire District spokesman Jim Trett and Oregon State Fire Marshall Nancy Orr are offering these safety tips as you decorate for the holidays.

For a fresh fragrant tree:
Choose a fresh tree
When choosing your Christmas Tree be sure to look for one without shedding needles. Remember to check your tree frequently to be sure it is not becoming too dry. Gently grip a small branch and pull the needles towards the end, if they come off easily the tree needs to be removed because it presents a great fire hazard to your home.

Make a fresh cut:

Make a fresh cut on the cut end of the trunk to open pores, which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch. If you do not make a fresh cut the tree will not be able to drink water. After the cut is made, put the tree in water as soon as possible.

Put in water: Place the tree in a sturdy stand that will hold at least one gallon of water. Fill with plain water.

If the tree is not going into the house soon after purchase, it should be stored in a bucket of water on a cool porch or patio away from the wind and sun. Remember an average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon of water per day, so water the tree daily.

If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and the tree will absorb no water.

Keep away from heat sources: Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces and fire place inserts, wood stoves, radiators, television sets or sunny windows. Be careful not to block an exit door with a tree or rearranged furniture.

Remove the tree promptly: After Christmas, before the tree dries, remove it from the house for pick up by your disposal service, or better yet have your tree recycled.

NEVER burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace.

Some other safety ideas to remember for the holidays include:

Check out the lights before you put them up for decorations.

Keep candles well away from combustible materials such as fire boughs.

Make your fireplace fire safe.

Be watchful of dangers to children.

Buy only age appropriate, safe toys for the children on your gift giving list.

Holiday lights are not intended for permanent installation or use:

Do not mount or place Christmas lights near gas or electric heaters, fireplaces, candles or other similar sources of heat.

Do not puncture the insulation of the holiday light sets with staples or nails.

When hanging the holiday lights do not place the insulated wire on sharp hooks or sharp objects.

Do not let the Christmas holiday light bulbs rest on the light string supply cord or other electrical wires.

Unplug the Christmas light bulbs when leaving the house, when retiring for the night, or if the Christmas tree lights are left unattended. Your holiday lights are not toys! To avoid risk of fire, burns, personal injury and electric shock the Christmas holiday lights should not be played with or placed where small children can reach the holiday light bulbs.

To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not mount or support the Christmas tree lights in a manner that can cut or damage the light sets. Do not close your doors or windows on the Christmas holiday lights or extension cords as this may damage the wire insulation.

Do not cover the Christmas holiday light bulbs with cloth, paper or any material that is not part of the light set when in use.

If your Christmas lights are equipped with push-in type light bulbs, do not twist the holiday light bulbs. Pull the party light bulbs straight out of the light bulb socket.

If your Christmas tree lights are equipped with threaded screw in holiday light bulbs. Make sure that you do not over tighten the light bulbs causing the protective glass covering to break or crack.

To reduce the risk of overheating, replace any burned out light bulbs promptly. Use the proper Christmas holiday light bulbs with like volt and wattage replacement light bulbs.

Always unplug your Christmas holiday lights before installing or replacing the Christmas light bulbs.

Do not overload the electrical wiring by adding additional light sets together. Only connect the recommended amount of light sets [usually three sets if not stated in instructions] on one continues light string.

State Fire Marshal's Gift List Has Safety At The Top:

During this season of gift giving, we often struggle to come up with ideas for great presents.

Here is a suggestion from State Fire Marshal Nancy Orr.

"Give a gift that gives back all year long, a gift of life, a smoke alarm," says Orr.

Orr recommends fire and life safety gifts that protect families and homes. Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, carbon monoxide detectors, home escape ladders and emergency supply kits are thoughtful gifts that will be appreciated and valued.

This year instead of something that may go into a closet and be forgotten, consider something that could save a life or protect someone from injury. These fire and life safety items are very affordable and available at a variety of stores.

State Fire Marshal Orr reminds everyone that smoke alarms on every level of your home, outside every sleeping area and in each bedroom, is the best way to have a happy and safe holiday season.