Bob Crawford says during this dry season, it is especially important for Florida residents to be on the lookout for potential dangers from holiday decorations and fireplaces. Old or improperly placed Christmas lights, frayed extension cords and fireplaces create a potential for disaster. The Consumer Product Safety Commission surveys holiday decorations at stores nationwide, and this year prevented 360,000 units of holiday lights that did not meet safety standards from being imported. Use only lights that have been tested and conform to safety standards. Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
Faulty lights can create an electrical charge throughout the tree branches.
Do not overload extension cords. Portable GFCIs can be purchased. Buy artificial trees that are A fire resistant. They will resist burning and should extinguish quickly if they catch on fire. Check live trees for freshness.