Holly, Jolly and Safe

Dry trees and improper use of Christmas lights can lead to tragedy. A dry tree can be consumed by fire in three seconds, generating such intense heat that surrounding furnishings, walls and window coverings ignite in less than a minute. Here are some ways you can avoid trouble:

Average tree can absorb up to a gallon of water per day.

If the water level falls below the cut at the end of the trunk, the trunk will seal itself and prevent further absorption of water.

* Use lights and bulbs approved by Underwriters Laboratories. These mee stricter safety requirements.

* Do not use outdoor bulbs indoors; they generate more heat, which dries the tree faster

* Minilights generate less heat and are safer.

* Some decorations, usually tree toppers are equipped with special 12-volt lights. Do not use these bulbs in combination with lower-voltage minilights.

TREE TIPS

* Needles should be springy and difficult to pull off the tree.

* Get a tree that has been treated with flame-retardant material.

* Keep tree away from sunny windows and all sources of heat.

* Do not block exits with the tree or rearranged furniture.

* Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

* Allow space around the tree to ventilate heat from lights.

* Dispose of tree when it gets dry. Do not burn in fireplace.

LIGHTS

* Do not use outdoor lights indoors, or indoor lights outdoors.

* Check for bare wires, broken or cracked sockets.

* Do not try to fix damaged sets.

* Do not splice light strings together.

* Outdoors, point bulbs downward so moisture drains off the end of the bulb and not into the socket.

* Outdoor lights should be fastened security to prevent wind damage. Use plastic clips rather than nails, tacks or staples that can cut through insulation.

* Turn off all lights when leaving home or going to bed.

* For added protection, plug outdoor lights into outlets protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable GFCIs are available from electrical supply stores. Indoors, plug lights into a multiple-socket surge protector.

EXTENSION CORD

* Do not use if it is cut, frayed or damaged.

* Don’t connect more than three light strings to a cord.

* Don’t use outdoors if it isn’t UL-rated for outdoor use.

* Unplug cord when not in use.

* Do not run cord through a door or window, or through standing water or extremely wet areas.

* Do not use cord that feels hot to the touch.

* Plug it into a protected outdoor outlet.

* Store indoors when not in use.

More information: Orange County Fire Authority Web site at https://www.ocfa.org; Underwriters Laboratories Web site at https://www.ul.com