HIGHLANDS COUNTY
DIVISION OF
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
6850 West George
Blvd.
Sebring, FL 33875
863-385-1112
|
|
We’re
emphasizing ways to have a “FIRE SAFE” December. We urge all our Citizens and
Highlands County Employees to follow these guidelines and have a safe holiday
season.
- Select a fresh
Christmas tree that is kept in water at all times. Don’t put your tree up
too early or leave it up longer than two weeks. Dried out Christmas trees
can ignite easily!
- Place your Christmas
tree in a safe place, away from heat sources.
- Maintain your holiday
lights. Inspect your lights before you use them to ensure they don’t have
frayed wires, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets or
excessive wear. Only use lighting that is listed by an approved testing
laboratory and don’t leave the lights on when you’re not home.
- Avoid overloading
electrical outlets. Don’t link more than three light strands unless the
directions indicate it’s safe. Periodically check the wires, they
shouldn’t feel warm.
- Use only nonflammable
decorations that are placed away from heat vents and if you’re using an
artificial tree, make sure that it’s flame retardant.
- Avoid using candles. If
you do use candles, ensure they’re in a stable holder and placed where
they can’t be easily knocked over. Don’t leave lighted candles unattended
and never put candles on a
Christmas tree.
Please follow
these safety recommendations. Highlands County Emergency Management wishes you
and your family a happy holiday season – one that is both joyful and fire safe.