In the U.S. on average, 200 Christmas tree fires occur annually, causing 24 deaths. Many do not realize the hazards associated with a tree that is not properly maintained.
Each year thousands suffer injury, burns, and death due to holiday decorations and carelessness. Trees, lights, ornaments and fireplaces produce extra hazards in our homes at time when the hectic season may distract us from fire safety. Enjoy the holiday season. Here is some fire safety advice to follow for a happy holiday.
During the holidays, when homes are full of combustible items such as holiday decorations and wrapping paper preventive measures must be reinforced. There is nothing more important than providing a safe home for your family.
If you buy a natural, cut tree, check for freshness. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree and a serious hazard. Fresh needles won’t break when bent. Once the tree is home, keep it outside until you can decorate it. Cut off the base, one to two inches, and place it in a stable holder. Keep the holder filled with water and keep the tree away from heat.
Place your tree away from heaters and out of the exit ways. Check all lighting for safety. Look for fray or broken areas where wires are exposed. Damaged sets should be thrown out. Do not chance repairing. Keep bulbs from curtains and flammable materials and do not use candles anywhere on the tree.
No more then three sets of lights should be on an extension cord. Overloading cords can start a fire. Keep connections away from the water base and use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed cords of the correct size.
Use weather proof OUTDOOR lights and cords outdoors. These sets are for prolong exposure, so take them down as the season is over.
Unplug all lights and blow out candles before leaving the house or going to sleep. Do not use real candles in the windows; use electric ones listed by UL. Keep all ornaments, candles and cords away from children and pets.
Dry trees can burn like a torch and spread the fire. Remove them as soon as large amounts of needles fall.
Do not burn trees, decorations or wrapping papers in your fireplace. Wrappings and evergreens burn rapidly and throw sparks which can set the roof on fire.
Here’s a YouTube message from New York State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison informing all of the importance of keeping a natural tree properly hydrated. This YouTube video also shows how quickly a Christmas tree fire can erupt and develop once started, engulfing a room full of dangerous fire & smoke …
• ALWAYS REMEMBER keep the tree stand secure and filled with water.
• DO NOT place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
• KEEP open flames away from your tree. Never use candles as decorations.
• ALSO REMEMBER to check and make sure your smoke detector is working and never remove the battery to use for another purpose.
Be Fire Safe To Have A Fun, Enjoyable, Joyous, And Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
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