Community Corner

Thinking About That Tree? Safety First

Holiday decorations add beauty but require special care, according to Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services.

It is the time of year when Christmas trees, lights, candles and other decorations make their way out of attics and boxes and into area homes. To make the holidays safe and enjoyable, Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services (GCFES) encourages citizens to take steps to prevent home fires.

While a live Christmas tree can be a beautiful addition to your home during the holidays, it can also increase fire risks, according to GCFES public information officer Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

"During the holidays, the fire load inside a home increases," Rutledge said.  "A live tree can fill your home with the scent of fresh pine and illuminating beauty; however, it can also pose a fire hazard if not properly cared for."

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Firefighters offer the following tips when choosing a live tree:

  • Select a fresh tree or one that is green in color. 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.
  • Drop the tree trunk on the ground. If a large number of needles fall, the tree has probably dried and could be a fire hazard.
  • Never place the tree near a heat source such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater or heating vent. Doing so will cause the tree to dry out faster.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with plenty of water. Check water levels daily and fill as needed.
  • Do not leave a live tree up for more than two weeks.

Artificial trees can also create a fire hazard. Firefighters recommend only using artificial trees that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory and are made of flame-retardant materials.  Ornaments should also be made of flame-retardant materials. 

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With both artificial and live trees, proper use of decorative lights is critical. Officials warn against linking more than three light strands. Strands should be inspected for frayed wires, bare spots, cracks in insulation, broken sockets and excessive kinks or wear. Only lights approved by an independent testing laboratory should be used. When decorating, avoid overloading electrical outlets and periodically check wires and outlet covers to verify they are not warm or hot to the touch. 

Firefighters also recommend caution when using candles. Do not leave lit candles unattended, and avoid placing candles near any flammable material such as curtains, live greenery or wrapped gifts. 

After the gifts have been unwrapped, do not place wrapping paper in the fireplace. Burning wrapping paper can produce toxic gases. 

Last, but not least, is advice that should be followed year-round:

"Have a working smoke alarm and portable fire extinguisher (ABC) on every level of the home and develop a home escape plan," Rutledge said. 

Fire drills should be practiced with the entire family, he added.

For additional information, contact the Gwinnett Fire Community Risk Reduction-Education Section at 678-518-4850.


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