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Councilman Greg Stanton's
Arcadia News Column
November 2002
Celebrate the Holidays Safely
The holidays are a time for family, food and festivities... but a lack of preparation can leave you and your family with holiday hazards. Each year 7,500 people around the United States are treated for injuries related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. The Phoenix Fire Department responds to more fires during December than any other month of the year. Here are some simple reminders that will help make your holidays happy and safe.
- Check to make sure your home smoke alarms are working and have fresh batteries. One of the best gifts you can give someone is a smoke detector.
- Remember candles are a direct source of fire in your home and take the following precautions:
- Place them in sturdy, non-combustible holders, and keep them well away from decorations and other flammable materials.
- Don't let candles burn down too far or drip hot wax.
- Don't leave children unattended in a room with lit candles, and ALWAYS keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Don't display lighted candles in windows or near exits in case you need these to escape.
- DO NOT DECORATE CHRISTMAS TREES WITH CANDLES!
- Christmas trees that are not kept moist can be a serious fire hazard. Take the following steps to be safe:
- Choose a fresh tree, and put it in a stand designed not to tip over.
- Place the tree well away from heat sources, as they dry live trees rapidly.
- WATER IT CONSTANTLY. A SIX-FOOT TREE WILL USE ONE GALLON OF WATER EVERY TWO DAYS. A dried out tree can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds.
- Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and do not block doorways.
- If you purchase an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as fire-retardant or resistant.
- Dispose of the tree properly. Do not burn it in the fireplace!
- Keep your lights safe:
- When decorating with lights, purchase only those that bear the mark of a testing laboratory.
- Check each set of lights, new or old for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets.
- Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Don't overload electrical outlets.
- For indoor lights, use those ONLY labeled INDOOR LIGHTS.
- Always unplug all lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
- Outdoor lights should be weatherproof and clearly identified as designed for outdoor use.
- Decorate with care:
- Use only flame resistant materials to trim a tree.
- Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
- Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable. Keep trimmings with small removable part out of the reach of children to avoid swallowing or inhaling small pieces. Also, avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
- While decorating with spun glass "angel hair," wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation.
- Follow directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
- Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to a small child, so take precautions. Poinsettia leaves are not fatal if swallowed, but can cause a skin rash and an upset stomach.
- Wrapping paper disposal:
- Dispose of gift-wrappings soon after opening presents. A room full of paper is just another holiday hazard.
- Place trash in an approved container and don't burn wrappings in the fireplace - they may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.
Please do all you can to keep your family safe this holiday season and, as always, if you have comments or concerns you would like to discuss with me, please feel free to call my office at 602-262-7491 or send e-mail to greg.stanton@phoenix.gov.
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