Santa Claus is coming to town.   Lodi Fire Department will be driving Santa through your neighborhood on the fire truck during the month of December.   Mr. and Mrs. Claus called the firefighters and told then to get the big red truck ready for Santa's visit to Lodi between November 28th and December 19th.   Expect to greet Santa between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00p.m.   Locate your neighborhood on the map to find out when Santa will be near your house.  The numbers on the map are the dates he will be in that area.   He cannot go down every street so if you hear him be on the lookout!!!

Members of the Lodi Fire Department will be collecting your donations of canned foods this year for the Lodi Community Center.  Look for a fire fighter escorting Santa to give your donations!

Santa also wants you to be safe and enjoy his visits.

He has a few safety rules:

CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS: 

SELECTING A CHRISTMAS TREE:

• Make sure the tree is fresh, not dry and losing it's needles.

  If buying a pre-cut tree, make a new cut approximately one inch above the old cut to facilitate water movement through the cells.

  Leave the tree outside until you are ready to decorate it.

TREE DECORATING:

• Before using lights on the tree make sure that they are UL listed. Never use more than three strings of lights on one circuit.

  Make sure that all connections are tight and the bulbs and cords are in good condition, not loose or frayed as to cause a short.

  Be able to turn off the lights without having to crawl under the tree.

  Artificial trees should be made of flame resistant materials, and lights should never be used on trees with metal frames.

  Never leave the lights on when leaving the house or when going to bed.

  Keep candles away from Christmas trees. Never used candles as Christmas tree decorations.

  When shopping for Christmas tree ornaments, look for ones that are flame resistant.

SELECTING A LOCATION:

• Setup your tree in a cool location.

  Avoid placing it in an area close to heating appliances or the fireplace. This will not only dry the tree out prematurely, but can also increase the chance of accidental ignition.

  Keep the tree out of high traffic areas, and away from stairways and doors.

  Secure the tree so that it cannot be knocked over by pets or a small child.

  Place the tree in water and make sure to check the water level daily.

WHEN TO REMOVE THE TREE:

• The tree should be removed from the home in the event that it becomes dry and begins shedding needles. DON'T TAKE A CHANCE.

  Remove the tree as soon as possible after Christmas. Dispose of all papers and boxes at once, do not allow them to accumulate.

  NEVER burn a tree in a fireplace. Dry Christmas trees burn very hot and extremely quick. The fire may rapidly leave the fireplace and move into your room.

DISCARDING YOUR TREE:

• There are only two options:
  • Haul it away yourself.
  • The Boys Scouts of America will be picking up Christmas trees as community service project in early January. Donations for this service is appreciated.

• The City of Lodi does not pick up Christmas trees. Please do not place them in the streets.

The Lodi Fire Department wishes you a very
MERRY AND SAFE CHRISTMAS.