BALTIMORE, MD. (DECEMBER 13, 2013) – During the holiday
season, many residents decorate their homes in preparation for parties and
other family celebrations. An all-time favorite centerpiece for holiday
festivities is the Christmas Tree. A natural tree, if not watered daily, can
become a fire hazard. It takes only a few seconds for fire to spark and engulf
your tree and an entire room. Acting Chief Jeffrey R. Segal and the Baltimore
City Fire Department urge all residents to take great care with their tree to
avoid injuries and damage caused by an indoor tree fire.
“The Christmas Tree is one of the many traditions families
cherish most at this time of year,” said Chief Segal. “Proper placement, use of
undamaged lights, and – most importantly – regular watering of the tree will
ensure you and your family create great new holiday memories together.”
This month, the Baltimore City Fire Department released a
video with additional holiday safety tips on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEwjnTkf8e0&feature=youtu.be.
Proper tree maintenance begins at the point of purchase.
When choosing your tree, perform the “tap test” – lift the tree and gently tap
it on the ground. If any needles fall off, the tree may already be too dry, so
another should be chosen. Also, to allow the tree to absorb as much water as
possible, ask for the trunk to be cut at an angle.
When you arrive at home, secure the tree tightly into a tree
stand. Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, such as a
radiator, fireplace or portable heater. Do not place the tree near a doorway or
blocking an exit. Never use candles on a tree.
Immediately fill the reservoir with water. Natural trees can
use up to a gallon of water every day. Check the water level at least twice a
day. As gifts are placed under the tree, it may become difficult to water the
tree without also watering gifts as well. Try placing ice cubes in the tree’s
water reservoir. As the ice melts, the tree will be watered. Gifts and
electrical wires will remain dry.
Examine lights for frayed wires and loose sockets before
placing them on or around the tree. Use lights with the seal from an approved
testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL.) Avoid overloading
your lights by connecting no more than three strings of lights together at
once. Always plug your lights directly into a wall socket, not a power strip or
extension cord.
Even with daily watering, a cut tree will become dangerously
dry. After the holidays, immediately remove your tree. The Bureau of Solid
Waste will offer curbside tree collection from Tuesday, January 7 through
Friday, January 31, 2014. Residents should set out trees on their regularly
scheduled trash collection day at the same location where their trash is
collected. All tinsel and ornaments must be removed from trees before they are
set out for curbside collection or mulching.
The Department of Public Works will provide Christmas tree
mulching every Saturday during the entire month of January 2014. Mulching
services will be offered from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Reedbird Avenue
Citizen Drop-off Center, 701 Reedbird Avenue.
Residents may bring their own bags or containers if they
wish to collect mulch for their own use. Community groups are also encouraged
to bring bags or containers and collect free mulch for neighborhood gardens
while supplies last.
For any additional questions about home safety, please
contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at (410) 396-5752.
As always, any Baltimore City resident who needs a smoke
alarm can call 3-1-1.
Visit our website @ www.baltimorecity.gov/BaltimoreFire
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