Prevent holiday burns, fires( > Mobile homes should use only ve...),Health

• Mobile homes should use only vented fuel-fired or electric heaters.

Tips for electrical lights, trees include:

• Inspect all lights before plugging them in; even if they are new.

• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.

• Unplug all Christmas tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed.

• Position live trees away from fireplaces, space heaters and radiators.

• Keep a clear path in all rooms in case you have to exit quickly. Gift wrapping, boxes, mail shipments can crowd up the room.

Loyola University Health System is providing the following tips on Christmas trees and candles from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as a public service.

Christmas trees

• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them far from tree branches.

• Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.

• Give live trees plenty of water daily to keep them as moist as possible.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.

• When decorating Christmas trees, always use safe tree lights. (Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.) Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb and all lights should be listed by a testing laboratory.

• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use tree lights. Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used.

• Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them when around the tree and do not let them play wit
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