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HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Safety
Recommendations from the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company
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Before natural trees are set up, the trunk should be sawed
above the original cut, set in a stand and tap water added.
This initial fresh cut opens the sap channels in the tree so
that it can take up water. Keep your tree stand water level
above the cut in the trunk to prevent the tree from forming
a sap seal. A sap sealed tree trunk will not draw water
which is needed for it to remain fresh.
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All
trees should be held upright in sturdy stands having a base
that is sufficiently broad enough to effectively support the
tree. Guy wires may be needed to steady oversized trees.
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Natural trees having root balls should be moistened daily
and cut natural trees should be placed in containers of
water sufficient to provide at least a one day supply. A
container holding at least 1 quart per inch in stem diameter
is recommended.
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Natural trees should remain indoors only for as long as a
period of time as they are fresh. Cut trees are thirsty!!
Depending on tree size, they may use from two pints to one
and one half gallons or more per day – so make sure to check
the water level daily and supply fresh water as needed.
Remove any tree that shows evidence of drying or severe
shedding.
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All trees and decorations should
be located a safe distance from sources of heat such as
heaters, fireplaces, stoves, television sets, candles, and
the like. NEVER DECORATE YOUR TREE WITH
CANDLES!!
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Overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wires are a common
cause of holiday-related accidents. Worn-out electrical
cords and plugs should be replaced. Avoid too many plugs in
one outlet. Use multi-outlet power strips when running many
applications or decorative light scenes.
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All
sources of electrical lighting, both direct and indirect,
should be in good condition and consist of equipment that
has been tested and labeled or listed for the specific
purpose by a recognized testing laboratory. All lighting
should be turned off or better yet disconnected, when the
area is unattended. This is especially important in
residential occupancies when the occupants are asleep.
The members of the Simsbury
Volunteer Fire Company wish all
a safe and happy holiday season.
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