|
Holiday
Safety Tips
By
John
Beatty
Fire
Education/Public
Information
Officer
Portland Fire
Department
We
are entering
the most joyous
of Holiday
seasons, we in
the Portland
Fire Department
hope that with
several timely
tips we all can
have a safe and
happy holiday.
Safety
and Your Tree
-
Natural
trees
should be
cut at a
45degree
angle at
the base
and placed
in water.
-
Place
tree away
from source
of heat.
-
Use
only
non-flammable
decorations.
-
Use
only
lighting
that has
been
approved by
a national
testing
laboratory.
-
Inspect
lights for
frayed wire
or other
defects
before
using.
-
Do
not leave
lights on
unattended.
-
Candles
should be
kept out of
reach of
children
and animals
that might
knock them
over.
-
When
tree
becomes
dry,
discard it
promptly.
This
February in a
one-week
period, we in
Portland would
experience
eight fires
that would
cause over
$550,000 worth
of damage due
to candles.
Candles would
be our number
one cause for
fire for the
year 2002.
Candle
Safety Tips
·
Put
candles on a
solid base and
out of reach of
children and
animals.
·
After
lighting a
candle put
matches or
propane
lighters in a
safe place out
of sight and
reach of
children.
·
Do not
place candles
near Christmas
Trees or
combustible
materials.
·
Make
sure that
candles are not
left
unattended.
·
Make
sure that
candles are
properly
extinguished
when leaving
the home or
retiring for
the evening.
·
Be sure
that the candle
is out before
disposing of
it.
Give
a gift of life
this season,
keep your
friends and
family safe
from harm, and
buy each one a
smoke detector.
If you already
have a smoke
detector
-
Be
sure that
your
detector is
maintained
and working
properly.
-
Test
your
detector
regularly.
-
Have
a smoke
detector at
each level
of your
home.
-
Make
sure your
family has
a practiced
home escape
plan.
We
at the Portland
Fire Department
wish each and
everyone a Safe
and Happy
Holiday Season.
|