Safety tips from TR Fire Department

According to Three Rivers Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson, the best gift he can give to his staff is a quiet December, free of dispatches to structure fires.

“The last thing we want to see this holiday season is a fire death, or a family home destroyed by fire,” said Chief Tomlinson. “Besides, with the success of the Firefighters for Santa program, we are very busy preparing toys and meals for delivery on Christmas Eve.” So the Three Rivers Fire Department (TRFD) is asking for everyone’s help with preventing fires and avoiding the need to call 911.

The Christmas tree has become one of the most popular symbols of the holiday season. It is a symbol that creates family traditions and cherished memories. But too easily, it can become a source of tragedy and unwanted memories. Consider the following fire safety tips provided by the Bureau of Fire Services:

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, and needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.

When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

• Holiday trees should be checked daily and at the first sign of dryness be removed from the home. The drier the tree, the greater the fire hazard.

To see video clips illustrating what happens when fire touches a dry tree and a properly maintained, well-watered tree click on the following link: http://www.fire.nist.gov/tree_fire.htm

In addition, make sure electric lighting and decorations are UL listed, and free from defects. Lights that string together have limits on how many should be used. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most importantly – make sure you have working smoke detectors and a carbon-monoxide detector to protect what is most important – your family.

The TRFD wishes upon everyone a safe and joyous holiday season.