Holiday Safety

The Phillipston Fire Department recommends the following safety tips to help ensure a safe and happy holiday season:

  • Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home.
  • Choose a freshly cut tree. Live trees need water, check and refill daily.
  • Cut a few inches of the trunk before placing in water.
  • When your tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
  • Keep your tree away from heat sources, sparks or flames.
  • Avoid octopus connections and overloaded connections
  • Check and replace worn and or damaged light sets or wires
  • Use only U.L. or F.M. approved lights on your tree and no candles!
  • Remove all discarded packages and wrappings from the house.
  • Never burn wrappings in a fireplace or wood stove.
  • Use only non-combustible decorations.
  • Do not leave Christmas tree lights on unattended.
  • Do not leave burning candles unattended.
  • Avoid accidents, use wire or cord to secure your tree to a wall or the ceiling (this will prevent tree from being toppled by children or pets.)

Candle Use (not on holiday trees)

  • Use non-tipping candleholders before lighting candles.
  • Keep candles away from curtains and other combustible materials.
  • Never use candles near windows or exits.
  • Do not place candles in any type of tree, real or artificial.
  • Extinguish candles when leaving home and when going to bed by wetting the wick.
  • Keep wrapping paper away from candles and electric lights.
  • Small children should not use matches or lighters, older children can learn to use them only under adult supervision
  • Young children should be taught to stay away from candles and electric lights.