Fire Prevention and Safety Tips - Holiday Displays/Fireworks

Christmas Lights/Trees/Decorations

• Lights – Make sure all wiring is in tact and UL-approved. Turn off lights when you go to sleep or leave your home. Don't piggyback more than three sets of lights together from one electrical outlet.

• Trees – Choose a fresh-cut tree that has soft needles. A way to test needles for dryness is to bend it between two fingers: if the needle breaks, the tree is likely too dry and you may wish to consider a fresher tree.  Real trees should remain moistened throughout the holiday season.  It is recommended that you check the water basin daily, filling it as needed.

• Candles – Keep lit candles and lighting materials such as matches or lighters out of reach of children. Be sure to keep lit candles away from flammable materials such as paper. When you leave a room or your home, blow out all candles.

• Decorations – Decorations should be made of nonflammable material and kept away from electrical wires, outlets and direct flame, i.e., candles.

For more holiday safety tips, visit the National Safety Council website.

Fireworks and the Law

Only fireworks approved by the State of Michigan are allowed in Midland. Here's a simple way to remember what could and could not be legal... if it flies through the air or explodes, it is not legal in Michigan.

For more information about fireworks safety, watch a helpful video segment created by the Midland Fire Department (click on icon below).