FDNY offers holiday fire safety tips

The FDNY is offering tips on fire safety to residents who have decorated their homes for the holidays. Fire Lt. Anthony Mancuso says if residents opt for a real Christmas tree, then they should cut

News 12 Staff

•

Dec 24, 2014, 3:55 AM

•

Updated 3,655 days ago

The FDNY is offering tips on fire safety to residents who have decorated their homes for the holidays.

Fire Lt. Anthony Mancuso says if residents opt for a real Christmas tree, then they should cut at least a half-inch off of the bottom and put the tree in water.

Mancuso says the tree could use up to about one gallon of water a day. He also says to put the tree in a cool place that is far away from heat or any fire places.

LED lights use less energy, so Mancuso says they would be better to use on the tree. "You don't want to plug in too many sets, just three or four together," he says.

But, if your real tree dries out, Mancuso says not to turn on the lights. A tree can quickly go up in flames.

It is also recommended to use a power strip for all of your electric-run decorations. Extension cords can cause a fire, Mancuso says.

Finally, always turn off the lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

For those residents that are using a fake tree, Mancuso says to make sure that the label reads "fire-retardant."