Have Yourself A Safe And Merry Christmas

City fire officials have once again released the FDNY's Annual Holiday Guide listing safety precautions for the use and decoration of Christmas trees, wreaths, and other holiday ornaments.

The guide lists the following suggestions for a safe and fire-free holiday season:

•Keep matches and candles away from children.

•Make sure to extinguish all open flames before leaving any room.

•When opening gifts, place wrapping paper in a suitable container and dispose of properly. Do not leave wrappings near tree lights where they could catch fire.

•Check decorative lights for frayed wires before using them. If damaged they should be replaced.

•Don't run extension cords under rugs.

•Don't overload outlets or plugs.

•Use only "UL" (Underwriters Laboratory) or "FM" (Factory Mutual) approved decorative lights.

•Keep the tree outdoors until ready to decorate.

•Trees need water. Buy only a fresh natural tree and make a cut one inch from the base to allow water absorption. Check and refill the container with water frequently.

•Keep tree away from heat sources (radiators, stoves, heaters, fireplaces, and any open flames), keep them out of halls, and away from stairs and exits.

•Keep a natural tree only two weeks, and dispose of properly (check with the Department of Sanitation for sidewalk pickup)

•Turn off tree lights when leaving home or before going to sleep.

•Use wire or nylon cord to secure trees to a wall or ceiling so children or pets won't tip it over.

•Never use any kind of candles on any type of Christmas tree.

•If the tree dries out, take it down and remove it from the building.

•To avoid a chimney fire, never burn wrapping paper or ribbon in a fireplace or wood stove.

•Don't smoke near natural or artificial trees. Even artificial trees marked "fireproof" can burn under some circumstances.

•Do not use electric lights on metallic trees; they have a tendency to heat up to dangerous levels. Use only reflective lights that sit on the floor for metallic trees, and make sure to shut the lights off when you leave the house or go to bed.

Have a safe and joyous Christmas.

- Liz Goff