Archive for Christmas Tree Safety
Christmas Tree Safety
CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY
The Fire Code allows cut trees to be displayed inside apartments. The code also allows
natural trees to be stored or displayed, but not trees with conifer. Conifer is any tree,
plant or shrub containing pitch, including hemlock, balsam, pine and fir. A natural tree is a live tree, plant or shrub, including conifer, which is rooted in soil.
To make the rest of the code clear. No “fresh” cut trees are permitted in lobbies of building.
The following is the full contents of the code restricting tree displays.
At the end there are hits on caring for trees in the apartments.
Cut natural trees may be displayed in any buildings except:
* Occupancy Group A (Public Assembly)
* Occupancy Group B (Business)
* Occupancy Group E (Educational)
* Occupancy Group I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4 (Institutional)
* Occupancy Group M (Mercantile)
* Occupancy Group R-1 and R-2 (Residential; Hotels &
Apartment Houses) * Buildings or structures used for a public gathering
Notwithstanding the foregoing occupancy restrictions, cut natural trees may be displayed in houses of worship and apartment dwelling units.
Natural trees, except conifers, may be stored and displayed in a building, provided they are
maintained in a healthy condition and are not allowed to become dry. It shall be unlawful to
store or display natural trees that are conifers in any building.
Cut natural trees for display in any building shall have the trunk bottoms cut off at least 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) above the original cut and shall be placed in a support device. The support device shall be of a type that is stable, holds the tree in an upright position and meets all of the following criteria:
1. The device shall hold the tree securely and be of adequate size to avoid tipping
over of the tree.
2. The device shall be capable of containing a minimum 2-day supply of water.
3. The water level, when full, shall cover the tree stem at least 2 inches (51 mm). The
water level shall be maintained above the fresh cut and checked at least once daily.
Dryness Natural trees and cut natural trees shall be removed from the building whenever the
needles or leaves fall off readily when a tree branch is shaken or if the needles are
brittle and break when bent between the thumb and index finger. Trees shall be checked daily for dryness.
Retail sale of cut natural trees
Merchants of cut natural trees, including Christmas trees, shall, at the time of retail sale of each such tree, attach to the tree a printed tag containing appropriate instructions for its safe and lawful display and disposal.
Christmas Safety Tips * When buying a live tree, look at the needles. If they are brown or break easily, choose another tree. Test for freshness by bending a few needles in half. If the needles snap in two, the tree is dry- look for a tree with needles that spring back to their original shape.
* When you take your tree home, put it in a sturdy, non-tip stand filled with water.
* Give the tree plenty of water. Dry trees can catch on fire easily.
* Make sure the tree is at least three feet away
from any flame or heat source.
* Never put candles on or near your tree.
* Put your tree near the electrical outlet. Do not block the exit.
* Before you put the lights on the tree, look at every bulb. If the string of lights does
not look perfect, throw the lights away and get new ones.
* Lights do not last long. Replace your lights as soon as you see any signs of damage.
* Look on the box for a mark that says ETL, UL or CSA. This means the lights have been
tested for safety.
* Read the directions. Only use as many strings of lights as it says is safe to use.
* When decorating indoors, use only those lights listed for indoor use. Unplug all lights,
inside and out, before going to bed or leaving home.
* Safely get rid of your tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are
flammable. They should not be left inside the home or garage, or placed against the
house.
* Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
* Make sure your family knows what to do to get outside safely in a fire. Practice a
family fire drill so your family and guests know the plan.
When finding and caring for your Christmas tree this holiday season, just remember the
word “STAR”:
* Space: Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source or flames such as
candles and fireplaces.
* Turn off the lights when you leave the room or go to sleep.
* Add water daily to keep your tree from drying out too fast.
* Replace lights when they are cracked or the wire is frayed. Holiday lights should be
replaced about every 3 years. Look for the UL label on the box so you know they have
been tested for safety.
