NOVEMBER 27, 2002 -- The extended Thanksgiving weekend is known historically for turkey, trimmings, family gatherings and the kickoff of holiday home decorating. But Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services Office of Fire Safety reminds families to take a few precautions with their Christmas trees and decorating to ensure a safe holiday season.

“Our Office of Fire Safety employees know firsthand how devastating fires can be, so they compiled a list of tips to remind people of the simple precautions they need to take when setting up a Christmas tree or decorating with candles,” CIS Director Noelle Clark said. “By following these safety tips, Michigan families can prevent a tragedy that can mar or possibly even destroy the holidays. We want to ensure a safer and happier holiday season for all.”

CHRISTMAS TREES

• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.  A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.  The trunk is sticky with resin, and when bounced on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over and be sure to keep the stand filled with water.
• Carefully plan where your tree will be positioned.  Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any source of heat, and place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
• Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use tree lights.  Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and discard damaged sets.  Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. 
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “fire resistant,” and never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house.  The lights could short out and start a fire.
• Keep a watchful eye on small children around the tree.
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles.  Dried-out trees are very dangerous and should not be left in a garage or placed against the house.

CANDLES

• Do not leave burning candles unattended and keep burning candles out of reach of children or pets.
• Keep candles away from decorations and wrapping paper and never use lighted candles on a tree.
• Keep candles away from drafts and vents and do not place candles where they can be knocked down or blown over.  Do not place candles on tablecloths when the edges of the tablecloths hang over the edge of the table and can be pulled by children.  
• Trim wicks to ¼ inch prior to each use.  Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders.  Don’t burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time.  Discontinue use of a container candle when ½ inch of the wax remains.  Always use containers that have been made for candle usage and keep matches, wick trimmings and foreign objects out of the candle wax.  

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.