Holiday Safety Tips Do's and Don'ts

Holidays are a time to enjoy family and friends. But all the festivities – the trees, the lights, the boxes of gifts and wrapping paper – can trigger potential danger: fire hazards.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that 36 percent of Christmas tree-related fires transpire between Christmas Eve and New Years Day.

To help residents stay safe, the offers a number of safety tips, as recommended by the United Sates Fire Administration. Among them:

• Do keep trees away from fireplaces, vents and other sources of heat, or the tree may dry out and become susceptible to flames. 
• Don't smoke or flick ashes near the tree.
• Do dispose of dry trees, either by a community pickup service or at a recycling center.
• Don't be tempted to keep your tree up longer than two weeks. 
• Do keep the tree moist by ensuring that the stand is always filled with water.
• Do get rid of any holiday lights that are damaged or frayed. 
• Don't overload electrical outlets.
• Don't put wrapping paper in the fireplace, which can prompt an explosion.
• Do keep lit candles and other flames away from the tree and other plants.
• Do use stable candleholders, positioned where they won't get knocked over. 
• Don't leave candles unattended.

For more information, visit the Port Washington Fire Department website.