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Berkeley,
California (Tuesday, November 27, 2007) – December,
January and February are the leading months for home fires and home
fire deaths in the United States, but a majority of these fires are
preventable. Follow these easy steps to keep your home and family
safe from the threat of fire:
Christmas
Trees
- Choose
a fresh tree: Needles should be green and hard to pull back from
the branches. The trunk should be sticky.
- Care
for your tree: Keep your tree away from heat, including a
fireplace or heating vent. Don’t leave your tree up for longer
than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water.
- Dispose
of your tree: Never put branches or needles in a fireplace or
wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it
promptly. The City of Berkeley will pick up Christmas trees on
regular plant debris removal days during January.
- If
you use an artificial tree, make sure it’s flame retardant.
Holiday
Lights and Decorations
- Keep
all tinsel, garlands and greenery out of the reach of small
children or pets.
- Inspect
your holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the
insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive wear before
putting them up.
- Don’t
link more than three light strands. Connect the light strings to
an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
Periodically check the wires to be sure they are cool.
- Never
leave holiday lights on unattended.
- Use
only nonflammable or flame-retardant decorations.
- Never
put wrapping paper in a fireplace.
Candles
- Avoid
lighting candles. If you light them, make sure they are in
stable holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked
down.
- Never
leave the house with candles burning.
- Never
put lit candles on a tree.
For more information on
holiday fire safety, call Berkeley’s Fire Prevention Office at
510-981-5585.
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