Simple steps to prevent holiday disaster

  • Published
  • By Craig Wilgus
  • Chief, Laughlin Fire Emergency Services
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Fire departments nationwide respond to an average of 210 structure fires each year due to improper use and care of Christmas trees. Electrical problems account for 48 percent of these fires and 27 percent are caused by heat sources too close to the tree. The National Fire Protection Association compiled these statistics at www.nfpa.org/education.

The Laughlin Fire Emergency Services urges Laughlin residents and base members to follow a few fire safety precautions this holiday season.

· Artificial trees and decorations should be flame retardant.
· Cut at least a half inch off the bottom of a live tree before placing it into a stand with water.
· Check daily to ensure water level is above the cut.
· Place your Christmas tree in a location away from all heat sources.
· Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
· Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
· Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
· Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
· When hanging lights; use clips, not nails to prevent damage to cords.
· Do not obstruct windows and doors with holiday decorations.

A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember, check for color and scent. Feel the needles; they shouldn't come off in your hand. A fresh tree is deep green in color and has a strong scent of pine and the trunk of a fresh tree is sticky with sap.

The Laughlin Fire Emergency Services will place a wreath, which is illuminated with red bulbs in front of the Fire Station Building 220 on Second Street. If a fire occurs during the holidays, in which holiday decorations are determined to be involved, one of the red bulbs will be changed to a white bulb. This will serve as a reminder for all residents to follow these fire safety precautions during the holidays.

The Laughlin Fire Emergency Services urges Laughlin residents and base members to take time to help "Keep the Wreath Red", and eliminate unwanted fires by providing a fire safe environment at home and work. For more information on holiday fire safety or other fire safety tips contact the Fire Prevention Office at 298-5036/5037.