Seasonal
Requirements in using Holiday Decorations and Lights
Each year fires occurring during the holidayseason injure 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Click here for a PDF file on holiday decorations and light regulations.
Winter Holidays
The lights and candles and parties where people are drinking and smoking is what makes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year's Eve festivities special risks of home fires. Make sure your home is safe for the holidays.
Party Safety
Use flame-retardant or non-combustible materials for costumes and decorations if possible. Be aware of any hot appliances that may be near any decorations. Provide smokers with large, deep, non-tip and non-combustible ashtrays, and keep an eye on anyone who is smoking and drinking. After a party it is a good practice to check cushions and furniture for smoldering cigarette butts.
Lights and Candles
Decorative Lights - Use lights that are listed. It is always good to check for a label. Throw away any sets of lights that have frayed cords, cracked lights or loose or damaged sockets. Don't overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters. Be sure all cords are not pinched behind or under furniture or presents. Always unplug your lights when leaving home.
Candles - Put candles securely in non-tip candle holders. Keep candles well away from Christmas trees, decorations, curtains and other combustible items. Don't leave candles burning unattended or within reach of small children, and make sure to blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep. When using candles be aware of where your pets are. Pets can accidentally know over a candle.
Christmas Trees
Cut your own or buy a fresh tree. You want to make sure the tree is not shedding its needles. Cut the trunk at an angle and install the tree in a large, deep non-yip stand well away from any heating appliances and exits. Make sure your tree always has water. If your tree dries out, remove it promptly and store it away from the home until you can dispose of it. If you use an artificial tree, be sure it's flame retardant.
Fireworks Safety
Only use legal fireworks with extreme caution. Older children should be closely supervised, and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks. Read and follow all warning and instructions.
1.Sparklers, considered by many as “safe” burn at very high temperatures, can easily ignite clothing, and stay hot long after burning out. They are as dangerous as matches or lighter to children. Be sure to collect all burned out sparklers wires for disposal.
2.Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close supervision. Never allow any running or horse play.
3. Use lighters with a child resistant feature. Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
4.Light fireworks outdoors, one at a time, on a clear, smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves or grass, or flammable materials.
5.Keep water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on grass, or flammable materials.
6.Never try to relight o handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
7.Be sure other people and pets are out of range.
8.Never experiment with fireworks or ignite them in a glass or metal container. Do not attempt to make your own.
9.Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. Store them in a dry, cool place out of the reach of children.
10.Dispose of fireworks properly.
Teach children to respect fire and fireworks at an early age.
- Fireworks, including sparklers, are not toys.
- Fireworks are dangerous explosives.
- Never pick up fireworks.
- Report any fireworks found to an adult right away.
- Never play with matches or lighters.
- Only use sparklers when an adult is in charge.
For more information on the Minnesota State Fireworks and the rules and regulations and safety guidelines click or go to
http://www.fire.state.mn.us/FireworksInfo.html
download fireworks safety information here in a PDF formatdownload the City of Crystal's Fireworks policiesdownload the City of New Hope's Fireworks policies