Gwinnett officials urge residents to ‘deck the halls’ safely this holiday season

Tips on tree safety whether live or artificial

Decorations are a joy for many during the holiday season, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential fire hazards. Follow these helpful tips to make the holidays safe and enjoyable:

• Choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations.
• Inspect and discard damaged holiday wiring before use.
• Test your smoke alarms and share your fire escape plan with guests.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Be sure to water real trees daily.

For many Gwinnett residents, decorating the Christmas tree is a favorite part of the busy holiday season. A live tree can fill your home with beauty and the scent of fresh pine; however, it can also pose a fire hazard if not properly cared for.

Firefighters suggest selecting a fresh tree or one that is green in color. The tree’s needles should bend, not break, and should be hard to pull off the branches. The trunk of a fresh tree will be sticky from the sap. When choosing a live tree, bounce the tree trunk on the ground; if a considerable amount of needles fall, the tree has probably dried and could be a fire hazard. After you have selected the perfect tree, remember to properly care for the tree to keep it fresh throughout the holiday. Never place the tree near a heat source like a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater. You should also avoid placing the tree under or near a heat vent in the room. Doing so will cause the tree to dry out faster. Keep the tree stand filled with plenty of water. Check the water level in the stand daily and fill as needed. A real tree should not be put up too early or left up for more than two weeks.

If you’re using an artificial tree, choose one that is approved by an independent testing laboratory and made of flame retardant materials. When decorating the tree select ornaments that are made of flame retardant materials. When stringing the tree with decorative lights, remember to use only those lights approved by an independent testing laboratory. Never link together more than three light strands and inspect the strands for frayed wires, bare spots, cracks in insulation, broken sockets, and excessive kinks or wear. Electrical outlets should never be overloaded. Periodically check wires and outlet covers. They should not be warm or hot to the touch

Visit GwinnettSafety411.com for more safety tips