The B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund offered the following seasonal safety tips in a recent press release.
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. When decorating your home, ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with the addition of holiday lighting or special effects. Keep exit doors unblocked.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Choose a fresh tree that is not shedding needles. It should have a strong green colour and noticeable fragrance. Take care to keep it fresh and hydrated through the holidays. 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 re-seal 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, television 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 tree-chipping centre. Do not leave a dry tree outside. It is a fire hazard.
CANDLE SAFETY
Put candles in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, and away from any combustible materials. Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree. Never go to bed or leave the house when candles are burning.
Need a gift idea? Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and first aid kits make practical holiday gifts. Visitors to the Bright Nights in Stanley Park display can bring in their holiday lights for free recycling and learn about holiday LED lights.
For each string recycled, BC Hydro will donate $2 to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund.
Donations accepted at the front gate of the 17th annual Bright Nights in Stanley Park (Nov. 27-Jan. 4), will go to the Burn Fund, which provides support and services to burn victims across the province. Food bins will also be at the entrance gate to collect items for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
