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| back | | Holiday Tree Fire Safety Press Conference | | |
Each year, during the Holiday Season, the Philadelphia Fire Department promotes "Holiday Fire Safety" to educate citizens regarding the proper care and disposal of Christmas Trees.
On Thursday, December 3, 2009, Deputy Commissioner John Devlin of the Philadelphia Fire Department demonstrated the proper way to select, prepare and maintain a fresh cut tree for the Holiday Season. Firefighters will distribute 20,000 tree tags, donated by the University of Pennsylvania, to tree lots throughout Philadelphia. These tree tags provide consumers with information on the proper maintenance of live trees.
Junior Fire Patrols from the Planet Abacus and Julia Ward Howe Schools will asisst the Fire Deparment in urging citizens to follow these important safety tips:
- Make a 1-inch fresh cut at the base of the tree.
- Place the tree firmly in the stand with plenty of room for water.
- Check water level daily and add if needed.
- Check electrical cords for wear, and outlets for overloading.
- Never leave a lighted tree unattended.
- Don't let the tree block exits or stairs.
- Keep the tree away from portable heaters and other heat sources.
- The tree should be free of ornaments and decorations before disposal.
For disposal of trees, residents should set them out with rubbish on their scheduled collection day. Citizens who wish to recycle their tree may take it to the Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Centers located at 3033 S. 63rd Street, on Domino Lane and Umbria Street, or on State Road and Ashburner Street. These centers will except trees from Monday, January 5 through Saturday, January 17 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. | | back | |
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