Milford chronicle., 1959-12-04
State Fire Marshall
Cites Fire Hazards
CONTINUED from page one)

continued from page one)
Xmas Trees which are left up for
various periods of time. To flame
proof every tree poses a problem
which very few would conscien-
tiously adhere to. so as State Fire
Marshal, l would like to offer
recognized precautions which will
offer the maximum protection
against fires:
obtain a fresh tree which has
been stored outdoors and keep out
doors until actually needed. Cut off
the end of the trunk diagonally at
least one inch above the original
cut end. Stand the tree at once
in a container of water and keep
in a cool location and sprinkle the
branches frequently until brought
into the house for trimming. Tree
stands are available with reser-
voir in which the trunk may be
set. Lengthwise saw cuts in the
base of the trunk will also help
the tree absorb water. Be sure the
tree is well-supported and so To-
Gated as to be away from fire.
places, radiators, heating stoves,
radio and television sets, or other
sources of heat. Keep the room as
cool and moist as possible.
Avoid the use of fiammable
decorations on or near the tree.
Toy trains, motors or engines
should not be operated under or
near the tree. Use only electric
lights, and see that all of the
strings are in good condition and
not frayed. Electrical devices such
as tree lighting sets, decorative
outfits and extension cords
which have been inspected and
comply with safety standards of
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc,
may be identified by tags attached
to the conductors or by carton
markings.
"Do not leave tree lights burn
ing when no one is in the house.
From time to time, inspect the
tree and see whether any of the
needles near the lights have start
ed to burn brown; If SO, change the
location of the lights.
IF it is desired to keep the tree
up for few days longer, then do
not keep the tree lighted for more
than a half hour at time When
needles start falling, take the tree
down and discard it.
"If any decorations are used a.
bout the house, do not permit them
to be around or near chairs and
other places where people may
smoke. 1t is preferable to have
them near the ceiling, well above
the heads of anyone. standing up.
IF lights are desired in win
dows, never use candles; keep
curtains and other fiammable ma
teria1 pulled back at least 6 inches
from any light.
I'm hotels, churches, hospitals,
schools and other places of as
sembly, and in Railways of offices,
the location of the Christmas tree
Is of vital Importance. They should
not be located near any stairway
Or elevator which would provide
an upward draft. They should not
be- near entrance doors or other
wise block exits; in offices they
should not be in such a position as
70 block exit from that office. 1t
s very essential that all doors
eading to other parts of the build
ng, particularly to upstairs, if
ocated close to Christmas tree,
De normally kept closed. An in
spection should be definitely sched-
lied each morning by someone OF
to determine whether
he tree should be left up for Z
onger time, and whether it shal'
be lighted again. Remember,
small tree can be as beautiful as
} large one but less hazardous.
''In case of fire, don't risk be-
coming trapped. Leave the build
ng in an. orderly manner and call
he fire department Immediately.
II urge each and every citizen
20 observe these precautions so
hat the Xmas of 1859 may go into
The record showing no tragic
ieaths or destroyed homes due to
faulty installation of Xmas trees,
ornaments or accessories"