The B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund urges everyone to consider the following holiday safety tips.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Inspect all holiday lights for excessive wear, frayed wires and broken or cracked sockets before putting them up.
Only use lighting with an approved testing laboratory sticker.
Do not overload electrical outlets or link more than three light strands together.
Turn lights off before going to bed or leaving home.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Choose a fresh tree that is not shedding needles. It should have a strong green colour and a noticeable fragrance.
Cut about three centimetres off the butt end to open up the tree stem and allow water intake. Place the tree in a stand that will hold two to three litres of water and top it off daily. If water drops below the end of the trunk, the stem may reseal itself, requiring a fresh cut.
Keep trees away from all sources of heat to prevent the tree from drying out. This includes fireplaces, radiators, furnace ducts, televisions sets, and windows with direct exposure to the sun. A dry tree can easily ignite from heat, flame or sparks. The best protection for a tree is moisture so it is important that it receives a continuous supply of water.
Discard your tree promptly when it becomes dry. The best way to dispose of your tree is at a recycling or community treechipping centre. Do not leave a dry tree outside. It is a fire hazard.
CANDLE SAFETY
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and away from any combustible materials.
Put candles in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down.
Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree.
Never go to bed or leave the house when candles are burning.
The 16th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park features millions of lights, entertainment and animated displays Dec. 5-Jan. 5. It is a fundraiser for the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
