Make Fire Safety a Part
of Your Holiday Preparations
News Release: Dec. 9, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771


As the holiday season moves into full swing, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley urges families to follow simple safety tips to keep the season merry and to prevent holiday fires.

"Many home fires can be prevented, and that's what makes this type of disaster so devastating," said Cordelia E. Miller, director of emergency services. "The holidays can be a time of celebration, and by following a few quick safety tips you can help to prevent your family's festivities from being disrupted by a fire. Making safety an important part of your holiday preparations can help you do this."

The Red Cross recommends following the below tips to help prevent holiday home fires:

Christmas Tree Care

-- Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees.

-- If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren't easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.

-- Use a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.

-- Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.

-- Make sure that any light strings or other decorations for the tree are in good condition and follow manufacturer's instructions for their use. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords.

-- Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.

-- Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove.

-- Safely dispose of trees as they become dry and needles begin to drop.

-- Dispose of trees through recycling centers or community pick-up services. Dried-out trees should not be left at home or in a garage, or placed against the home or garage.


Holiday Lights and Decorations

-- Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.

-- Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear.

-- Avoid overloading electrical outlets by not linking more than three light strands.

-- Use decorations that are flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

-- Place decorations at least three feet away from fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.


Holiday Candles

-- Remember that lit candles are fire. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.

-- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.

-- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from trees, evergreens, holiday decorations, and other items that can catch on fire like clothing, papers and curtains.

-- Use candle holders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are made from a material that cannot burn, and are large enough to collect dripping wax.

-- Place candles only where they cannot be reached or easily knocked over by children and pets.

-- Consider using battery-operated "flameless" candles.


Finally, as always, be sure to have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.


The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 70,000 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.