Don't let fire ruin your holiday season

While the holidays are a special and joyous time of year, the Somerton/Cocopah Fire Department reminds Yuma County residents that they are also a time to pay special attention to safety.

Robby Rodriguez, SCFD spokesman, said when buying a Christmas tree, look for a tree that has been watered and appears healthy. Also avoid trees that have brown needles.

Christmas trees that aren't properly cared for, he said, can pose a serious fire hazard.

“A dried-out Christmas tree can be totally consumed by fire in less than 30 seconds. While we have never had a residential fire started by a Christmas tree, there is always the possibility.”

Rodriguez said the easiest way to tell if a tree is fresh is to take a long needle and bend it between your thumb and forefinger. If it snaps, the tree is too dry. Instead look for trees with needles that bend.

Another suggestion, he said, is to bounce the trunk of the tree on the ground. If lots of needles fall, it means the tree is too dry.

“Most trees sold in Yuma County have been cut out of the state and have been drying out since they were harvested, which could have been as late as mid-November. Take care of the tree while you have it.”

When you bring a tree home, Rodriguez suggests cutting about an inch off the end of the trunk to remove the dried end and allow the tree to absorb water. Also make checkerboard cuts into the base at different angles to create a greater surface for water absorption.

Rodriguez urges turning off tree lights and other decorations when you go to bed or leave your home. A short circuit in any of this equipment could cause a fire.

“We recommend that you unplug them, especially if you are leaving the house.”

Also, never use lit candles for decoration on a tree, and make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any flame or heat source.

Use only lights that have been tested for safety. Rodriguez urges checking each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections.

Make sure you are using the lights the way they are meant to be used, he added. Check labels of lights to be used outdoors to see that they are suitable for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outside.

If you have a metallic tree, Rodriguez said, you should never decorate them with an electric light. Damaged insulation in lighting on a metallic tree could cause the entire tree to be charged with electricity. To avoid this danger, he suggests using colored spotlights above or beside a metal tree, never fastened onto it.

All lights present the problem of shock and casualty hazards for curious kids. Rodriguez explained that while stringing the lights on the tree, be careful how they're placed.

Keep all bulbs turned away from gifts and paper ornaments. Lights in windows can cause curtains and drapes to ignite.

Although candles are a traditional part of the season, they are still a direct source of fire in the home, Rodriguez said, and should be kept a safe distance from other things.

Also remember that a flickering flame is a thing of fascination to little children. Keep candles out of their reach.

A room full of paper lying around on the floor is just one more holiday hazard. Rodriguez said to dispose of gift wrappings soon after opening the presents. Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace. It may ignite suddenly and cause a flash fire.

Holly and mistletoe can be fatal to a small child. Rodriguez said even the smallest dose can cause serious medical problems. Poinsettia leaves are not fatal if swallowed but can cause a skin rash and an upset stomach. Call 911 if a child ingests any of these holiday plants.

Also, when choosing the finishing touches for decorating the tree, Rodriguez suggests purchasing tinsel or artificial icicles of a non-leaded material. Leaded materials may be hazardous if eaten by children or pets.

Avoid any decorations that tend to break easily or have sharp edges. Keep tree trimmings that are small or have removable parts out of the reach of your child. These pieces may be swallowed.

Rodriguez said one of the best Christmas gifts is a smoke detector. More than 90 percent of fire deaths occur in residential dwellings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are asleep. Smoke detectors alert occupants when a fire is still small and there is still time to escape.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.