Fire Precautions

The holidays are a time for fanciful lights and trimmings. But the season also presents home fire hazards. A primer on safe decorating:

TREE TIPS

While flame retardant will help protect against fire, daily watering is required to keep the tree from drying. Choosing and keeping a fresh tree:

* Shake tree; falling needles indicate tree is too dry

* Needles should be hard to pull from branches and should not break when bent

* Trunk should be sticky with resin

* Once home, cut two inches from trunk; place in a bucket of water

* Set tree away from fireplaces and other heat sources

* Remove tree immediately after the holidays

LIGHT TIPS

Check lights for frayed or bare wires, loose connections and broken or cracked sockets. If strands show signs of any wear, buy new ones. It’s simply safer. Also:

* Do not use outdoor lights inside or indoor lights outside

* Never use electric lights on a metallic tree

* “Bubbling lights” contain a toxic fluid and should be kept away from children

* Never use lighted candles on trees

* Choose trimmings made of noncombustible or flame-retardant materials

* Do not use more than three sets of lights on any one extension cord

* Turn off all decorative lights--indoors and outside--before leaving house or going to bed

Sources: Orange County Fire Authority, Times reports