Neighbor News
EMFD Offers Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Meadow Fire District reminds residents to be "fire smart" as they prepare for the winter holiday
The Board of Fire Commissioners of the East Meadow Fire District reminds residents to be “fire smart” as they prepare for the winter holiday season and set up live trees in their homes to celebrate the holiday. “Even a small fire can spread very quickly,” cautions Commissioner Keith Hoffman, who also notes that electrical issues cause close to one-third of home Christmas tree fires. “By following a few simple safety tips, you can help make sure that you and your family have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
- Select a live tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when you touch them.
- Before setting up the live tree, cut two inches of the bottom of the trunk.
- Ensure the tree is not too close to a heat source, such as a fireplace, radiator, or portable space heater.
- Be sure that the tree is not blocking any exits.
- Add water to the tree stand and check it daily; add water when necessary.
- Never use lit candles on the tree.
- Use only lights approved by a nationally recognized testing agency, such as UL.
- Replace strings of lights that have worn or broken wires or loose bulbs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper number of light strands to connect.
- Always turn off the Christmas tree before going to bed or leaving the house.
After Christmas, dispose of the tree or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the house or stored in the garage. The Town of Hempstead will collect Christmas trees and wreaths left at the curb on the regular yard waste collection day (Wednesday). Residents can also dispose of the trees at the town’s Homeowner Disposal Area at 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.
