JBSA-Fort Sam Houston –
T’was the night before Christmas and all thru the house,
Not a candle was flickering and the lights were all out.
While the flame retardant stockings were hung by the chimney
with care,
In hope that St. Nick
would soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of electronic games played in their heads.
And mama in her ‘kerchief, and papa in his cap,
Smoke detectors stood ready to wake them from their
nap.
With UL lights hung on a well-watered Christmas tree,
It was sure to be a fire safe holiday festivity.
When St. Nick arrived with a fire inspector by his
side,
They landed on the roof, ready to inspect inside.
They whisked themselves down the chimney in a poof,
The fire inspector
exclaimed “There’s no proof of fire hazards under this roof.”
With a silent and joyous laugh St. Nick did exclaim,
“I will fill their stockings and gifts for the family to
claim,
Like an extinguisher, exit plan, and detectors just to name
a few.
Should a fire break out this family will know what to do.”
The fire inspector said with glee,
“This family will be truly safe from a fire tragedy.”
Without any further ado, As they flew through the air in
their fire engine sleigh,
“Happy Holidays to one and all,” they were heard to say.
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get
together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple
tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Picking the tree:
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall
off when touched.
Placing the tree:
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut two inches from
the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any
heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the tree:
• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing
laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or
loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets
and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands
to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home
or going to bed
Facts:
• One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by
electrical fire.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do
occur, they are more likely to be serious.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in
every six of the fires.
After Christmas:
• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
• Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left
in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
• Check with your local community to find a recycling
program.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays
to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
To learn more about Christmas tree safety, visit the
National Fire Protection Association’s website at http://www.nfpa.org/education
or contact the fire prevention offices at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam
Houston at 221-2727, JBSA-Lackland at 671-2921 or JBSA-Randolph at 652-6915.