The holidays are a wonderful time of the year, but it is important to be aware of the hazards that come from decorations. Below is a list of tips to stay safe during the holidays or you can read the Department of State Safety tips.
General Safety Tips
Decorating, both indoor and outdoor, can be exciting. Here are some tips that
can make your holiday event-free:
• Ensure that your family and peoplethat are staying for the holidays know your home fire escape plan.
• Have your chimney or vent for your fireplace or wood-stove cleaned and
inspected before use for the season.
• Check all of your smoke alarms.
• Whenever possible, use flame-retardant or flame-resistant decorating
materials. Never use natural vegetation indoors that is not set in water
or soils.
• Watch for overloading of electrical circuits. Use listed power distribution
blocks or strips with automatic circuit protection when overloaded
or overheated.
Candles
Whether for tradition or decoration, candles need special care when used.
• Do not place candles on or near any decorative vegetation or trees.
• Always use candles in holders that are sturdy and adequately collect
dripping wax.
Trees
For some people, the placement of a tree in their home signifies the beginning
of the holiday season. Before doing this, consider the following points:
• The location of the tree should not be in the way of doors, windows, or in paths used for exiting.
• Trees should be a distance, at least equal to the height of the tree, away
from open flames and sources of ignition. This includes heaters, fireplaces,
and woodstoves.
• Check to ensure that any decorative lighting that is used is ‘listed,’ such as the “UL” label, and that the lighting is for ‘indoor’ use. Do not place lights on metal trees.
Natural Cut Trees
To enjoy the holidays even more, some people like to bring a natural cut tree into their homes or into a public place or business. Before placing a natural cut tree in a building, make sure that the Fire Code of New York State permits it.
Natural cut trees are permitted in all one- and two-family homes, townhouses,
and the dwelling units of apartments and condominiums. Also, business, factory and storage type buildings can display a natural cut tree. Buildings such as theatres, schools, hotels/motels, restaurants, covered malls, assisted living homes and retail stores have restrictions on when natural cut trees
can be placed inside them. The Fire Code of New York State Section 804 lists prohibited locations and conditions for the display of natural cut trees.
Some general guidelines for natural cut trees are:
• Choose a tree that is not dry and is not dropping needles.
• Use a stand that can adequately hold up the tree. Before placing the tree
in the stand, cut at least ½ inch of the stem off to give a fresh surface for the water to be in contact with.
• Proper placement of the tree in water and on-going maintenance will make the tree safe and last throughout the holiday season. Ensure that the tree stem is covered by at least two inches of water at all times and check the level at least daily.
• If needles or leaves fall off the tree readily when shaken or if the needles
break when pinched, the tree is too dry for indoor use and should be removed.
• Place trees away from heaters and the path of heat vents. Additional heat will dry the tree faster.
Holiday Lights
Decorative lights get used much less often than your everyday lights, and
they need more care. Check the fuses are the right type (see the box for the
maximum size of fuse you should use).
• If bulbs blow, replace them.
• Don't leave fairy lights on when you go out or when you go to sleep.
• Don't let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily, like paper.
• Don't overload sockets. Use power strips with built in circuit breakers.