Justice and Public Safety
December 10, 2015

Public Advisory: The 12 Days of Fire Safety - Day Two

Christmas trees are a beloved holiday tradition for many families in Newfoundland and Labrador, but whether real or artificial, they also pose a significant fire risk.

The National Fire Protection Association determined that Christmas trees start an average of 210 home fires each year, resulting in loss of life, injuries, and a significant amount of property damage.

Take the following steps to help protect your property and loved ones:

• If choosing a real tree, ensure it is fresh and the needles do not drop when touched;
• Always make a fresh cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in its stand;
• Ensure the tree is placed a safe distance (minimum approximately one metre) from any sources of heat;
• Ensure the tree does not block any possible escape route from your home in the event of a fire;
• Add water to the tree daily to minimize the risk of it drying out and becoming a greater fire risk; and
• Consider placing a gift of safety equipment under the tree for your loved ones, such as a smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, 72-hour emergency kit, or first aid kit.

After the holidays, be sure to dispose of your tree properly:

• Do so as soon as possible, before it dries out;
• Check with your community government for proper disposal procedures; and
• Never store the tree in the home, garage, or against the side of a structure.

All residents of the province are invited to visit us @FES_GovNL on Twitter during the 12 Days of Fire Safety and complete our fire safety quiz for their chance to win an emergency preparedness kit.

For more information about fire safety and emergency preparedness, visit the FES-NL website: www.gov.nl.ca/fes/index.html

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Media contact:

Ryan Crocker Media Relations Manager Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 709-690-1810 ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca

2015 12 10                              10:55 a.m.