Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many, a tradition that is often accompanied by holiday decorations. The Biloxi Fire Department is asking residents to keep fire safety in mind when choosing a tree and decorating it.
-Choose a tree that is fresh with limbs that are still flexible so that it still has moisture.
-Set up the tree at least three feet from the fireplace or any other heat source.
-Make sure to use indoor tree lights, preferably LED lights, which produce no heat.
-When decorating your tree with holiday lights, make sure there are no cuts or tears in the strings of lights.
-Replace strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections
-Make sure you use only the number of strings recommended by the manufacturer when connecting the lights together.
-Turn the tree lights off before going to bed or before leaving the house.
-Be sure to water the tree daily.
-Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger.
“Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious,” said Biloxi Fire Chief Nick Geiser. “This can become more of an issue as time goes by and trees are not properly watered.”
According to research, a watered Christmas tree is less of a fire hazard than a dry one. One study showed that when a dry tree was placed in a room and exposed to a flame, the tree became fully engulfed within 25 seconds and the entire room filled with smoke and flames within 63 seconds.
Added Geiser: “As always, make sure that you have a working smoke detector and fire extinguishers to help stay “fire smart” during the holidays.”
See more safety tips online
News & notes: Weekly reports, Lighthouse lighting, Popp’s Ferry walking track
The week that was: The latest information on city projects, permits, service calls, and more from the departments of the Police, Fire, Engineering, Community Development, and Public Works is posted on the city’s Weekly Reports page. To see the weekly department reports, click here.
Lighting of the Lighthouse: The public is invited to the annual Lighting of the Biloxi Lighthouse on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Mayor Gilich will turn the Christmas lights on and the Biloxi Visitors Center’s staff will serve hot chocolate and cookies. This year’s Christmas shirt and ornament will also be available for purchase. Click here to see the flyer.
Popp’s Ferry walking track: The track, located behind the Margaret Sherry Library on Popp’s Ferry Road, is closed while Harrison County makes some repairs. The Biloxi Parks & Recreation Director says the closure could be in effect for up to two weeks.
