As residents scurry to finish last-minute holiday shopping, baking, and even decorating, many may forget to keep their natural Christmas trees hydrated.
The Francis X. Pendl Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center recently joined other Nassau County volunteer firefighters to conduct a live residential fire of Christmas trees to emphasize the importance of "vigilant hydrating."
"The holiday season can indeed be the most wonderful time of the year, but a fire, even a small one, can ruin the family's celebrations," Museum Chief Safety Instructor John Murray said.
"It is important to avoid using older electric light strands with frayed wiring or broken bulbs, and do not allow your Christmas tree to dry out; it must be kept continually hydrated. We see more fires happen during the holidays, so we are urging folks to follow the basic safety tips, keeping this festive season a safe and happy one."
Fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 people, injure 1,650 more and cause more than $990 million in damage each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
The demonstration aimed to educate the public about how a joyous time of year can turn deadly because of under-watered Christmas trees, whether on display or moved to a spot outside the residence.
"They can go up in seconds and engulf an entire room in minutes," Murray said of the trees.
The demonstration took place at the Nassau County V.E.E.B. Fire Service Academy and featured the two new residential burn buildings.
For more information, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.
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