SAN DIEGO, Nov. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- While the holiday season is filled with lights, excitement and festivities, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and the San Diego Fire Department are reminding San Diegans to take the steps to remain safe.
"Decorative lights and seasonal cooking are highlights of the holiday season," said Bret Lane, SDG&E vice president of environmental, safety and facilities. "We just want to remind our customers to use our products safely to ensure their holiday remains a happy one."
The two leading causes of fire during the holiday season are: un-maintained cut Christmas trees and candles left unattended or placed improperly, according to the Fire Department.
"Christmas trees can burn explosively unless properly purchased, placed, and maintained. Artificial trees are a much safer choice," says San Diego Fire and Rescue representative Kevin Johnson. "Candles should be placed in stable non-combustible holders, away from curtains and other flammable items, and they should never be left unattended while burning."
SDG&E and the San Diego Fire Department offer the following safety tips:
Holiday trees
-- Once home, spray the tree with water to remove dead needles and
dust, then cut 2 inches off the base and immerse the cut end into
water immediately.
-- Place the tree in a sturdy stand, capable of holding a large amount
of water.
-- Check the water in the tree stand often. An average tree can
consume a quart to a gallon of water every day.
-- Do not allow the water level to drop below the base of the tree or
pores will seal again, preventing water absorption. If pouring
water in the basin is difficult, add ice cubes regularly.
-- Turn off tree and exterior lights before leaving the house or
going to bed.
-- After Christmas, remove the tree from the house promptly.
-- NEVER burn a Christmas tree in the fireplace or woodstove.
Electric Lights
-- Buy only lights with an Underwriter Laboratories safety-approved
label.
-- When pulling lights out of storage, take a few minutes to inspect
them for frayed cords, loose connections and broken sockets or
dried out insulation.
-- Attach outdoor lights with hooks. Don't hammer nails or tacks
through cords.
-- Never use an aluminum ladder or other metal-handled tools around
power lines and avoid working around the lines leading to your
home or business.
-- Avoid stringing outdoor lights when it's wet outside.
-- Never use indoor lights outside.
-- Keep the Christmas tree in water but the light cords out of the
water.
-- Never use electric lights on a metallic tree; use colored
directional lights instead.
Candles
-- Make sure that candles are secured in stable non-flammable
holders, such as metal, ceramic or glass.
-- Keep candles away from flammable materials including papers,
towels, and silk and dried flower arrangements.
-- Whenever children are at home, keep candles and matches out of
their reach.
Carbon Monoxide
-- Every year, have all gas appliances checked and maintained by a
licensed plumbing and heating or other qualified contractor.
Furnace pilot lights and appliance burner flames should be clear
blue. A small hint of orange is still safe. A soft yellow flame
indicates that an appliance may be producing carbon monoxide, a
colorless, odorless gas that can cause illness or death.
-- Do not use a barbecue or hibachi as a home-heating device. They
produce carbon monoxide.
-- If using a natural gas fire, a soft yellow-colored flame could
mean carbon monoxide is being emitted. As long as the chimney is
clear and drafting properly, and the chimney damper is completely
open, the carbon monoxide will be drawn up the chimney and out of
the house.
Customers who want to receive free holiday safety or carbon-monoxide awareness brochures can call SDG&E toll free at (800) -411-SDGE.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.3 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 800,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company. To learn more, go to www.sdge.com and www.sandiego.gov.