COUNTYWIDE : Safety Hints for Holiday Season

The Orange County Fire Department has published a list of safety tips for the holidays which includes hints on how to reduce fire risks and lessen safety hazards around the home.

To reduce the risk of fire, business and small companies are required to treat any tree placed in a public area with flame retardant. For family trees, residents should check daily to make sure that the needles remain fresh, and should place the tree away from fireplaces or radiators.

The department also recommends that owners of metallic trees avoid using lights, because they might charge the tree with electricity. As an alternative, set up colored spotlights beside or above the tree. Decorations in homes with young children should not be sharp or breakable.

Mixing indoor and outdoor lights can also be dangerous, and outdoor lights should be checked to make sure that they are weatherproof and securely attached to trees or walls.

Wrapping paper can also pose a fire danger. Paper should not be burned in the fireplace, where it can suddenly ignite and cause a flash fire.