GOOD-BYE TREES: Sigh. The holidays are over, and we’re all taking down our Christmas trees.
If you live in Bradford City and are looking at where you may dispose of your tree, look no further.According to Chip Comilla, the city’s director of parks and public works, “They can bring them down to 112 Holley Ave.” — the location of the city’s department of public works facility. There, residents will find “a bin just as you come through the gate.”
He added the Christmas tree bin will be on the left, and people can back right up to it to unload their trees.
Comilla explained the trees are usually submerged in the Allegheny Reservoir to become fish habitats.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting rid of your tree soon, as they are “combustible items that become increasingly flammable as they continue to dry out,” said Lorraine Carli, the association’s vice president of outreach and advocacy.
Though not common — the association said U.S. fire departments reported 210 Christmas tree-related fires between 2010 and 2014 — they tend to be more deadly than the average house fire, statistics show.
To help, the National Fire Protection Association shared these fire prevention tips:
• Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.
• As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
• Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags, or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
• Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.