Christmas Tree Safety
During the holiday season, Christmas trees serve as a central element of festive decor, sourced through various means like cutting down trees, purchasing from local stands, or opting for artificial alternatives. Despite their aesthetic appeal, Christmas trees carry a notable risk of fire hazards, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols. Whether your tree is natural or artificial, following safety guidelines is crucial to minimize the risk of fire accidents and ensure a safe holiday celebration.
Christmas Tree
- Be sure your tree is fresh. Touch and shake the tree. Needles shouldn’t fall off easily.
- If not cutting down the tree yourself, cut a couple of inches off the base and keep it in water until you are ready to set it up.
- When setting up your tree, keep it away from heat vents, fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources.
- If you choose an artificial tree, be sure it is identified as fire retardant.
- Water your tree EVERY day. If it stops drinking water, keep a close watch on its condition.
- When your tree starts to drop needles and seems dry, get it out of your home. Don’t store it in your garage or near the house.
- Don’t try to burn pine limbs in your fireplace or woodstove as they flash fire.
Decorations
- Check lights for any frayed wires or broken sockets. Don’t try to be an electrician and fix broken wires that could short circuit. It’s not worth saving a few bucks and risking a fire.
- Read instructions on how many lights you can string together to prevent an overload. Generally, not more than three sets of mini lights.
- Turn off lights when the tree is unattended. Always turn off the lights when you leave the house or go to bed. Tree fires happen fast, and quick action is needed to avoid a major disaster.
Stay safe this holiday season…and always!
Source: Holiday Tree Safety Tips
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