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.