Holiday Fire Safety
During the holidays, offices and homes are more susceptible
to fire than at any other time of the year. For your safety
and that of your colleagues, loved ones, and friends, Environmental
Health & Instructional Safety encourages you to follow
the tips outlined below:
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees can be one of the most hazardous items you
bring into your office or home. A dry Christmas tree can be
totally engulfed in fire within three seconds, generating
enough heat to ignite in less than one minute the furnishings
and window coverings in an entire room.
Live Christmas trees brought to campus must be sprayed with
a fire retardant .
A Christmas tree purchased from a lot or cut on a tree farm
can remain relatively fire-resistant if you follow these simple
steps:
Make a Fresh Cut
- Make a fresh cut at the base on a diagonal in order to
open up pores clogged by sap. Cut off 2-3 inches. The fresh-cut
surface should be creamy white. Otherwise, the tree will
not be able to absorb water.
Initial Watering
- After the cut is made, put the tree in water immediately
to increase absorption. Hot water should be used for the
first filling.
- Choose a sturdy stand which holds at least one gallon
of water.
- Rinse the tree stand with a mixture of one capful of
bleach and one cup of water before inserting the tree. This
rinsing reduces the growth of microorganisms that can block
the tree's ability to absorb water.
- If the tree is not going into use soon after purchase,
it should be stored in a bucket of water in a cool place
away from wind and sun.
Water Daily
- An average tree may consume between a quart and a gallon
of water per day.
- If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk,
a seal will form and no water will be absorbed by the tree.
So don't forget to add water every day!
Mini-Lights Produce Less Heat
- Always check lights for frayed or cracked wiring and
broken sockets before placing the lights on a tree. Do not
attempt to repair a broken light set.
- Avoid overloading circuits.
- Turn off tree lights when leaving the office and home,
and overnight.
- Miniature lights produce less heat and reduce the drying
effect.
Keep Away from Heat Sources
- Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating
vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, television sets,
or sunny windows.
- Be careful not to block exit ways with the tree, or with
re-arranged furniture.
Remove the Tree Promptly
- After Christmas, remove the tree from the house before
it dries.
All these tips apply to flame retardant treated trees, as
well as to untreated trees.
Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season from the staff
of Environmental Health & Instructional Safety!