Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Take precautions in order to try and avoid your Christmas tree from igniting a fire in your home

Christmas tree fires aren’t very common, however they are likely to cause serious damage if they occur. According to NFPA.org 200 Christmas tree fires ignite each holiday season, resulting in six deaths, 16 injuries, and $14.8 million in property damage per year. Protect your home and family with these Christmas tree safety tips:

• When picking a live Christmas tree every year, choose one with fresh, healthy needles. A simple test to know if you’ve found a good one is if the needles remain intact when you touch them. 
• Make sure not to block any exits when putting up your tree. Should you need to escape a fire, exits such as windows, doorways and access to other rooms should not be blocked.
• Position the tree at least three feet away from your fireplace, and any radiators, candles, lamps, or other heat sources. 
• Before placing a live tree into the tree stand, make sure to cut at least a minimum of 2 inches from the base of your live Christmas tree. 
• Add water to your tree stand and be sure to water your tree every day to keep it moist. 
• Use UL-listed Christmas tree lights rated for indoor use. Check strands closely as you hang them and replace any with frayed cords or loose light bulb connections. Only link together the number of strands recommended by the manufacturer. It is best to turn off Christmas tree lights before you go to bed. 
• Never use lit candles to decorate your tree.
• Throw away or recycle the Christmas tree when the holiday is over. Don’t store a dried-out tree in your home, garage, or yard, as the drier it becomes, the more flammable it becomes.
• Get rid of any live Christmas tree after Christmas by throwing them away or recycling them. Do not store a dried-out tree in or near your home, shed or garage. Dried up Christmas trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against your home. The more dry the tree becomes, the more flammable it becomes. Check with your local community to find a recycling program or put the tree out with your garbage pickup.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent any hazards and to make them last longer for more holiday seasons.

If your home does experience fire damage the professionals at SERVPRO of Greensboro North are here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 336-379-1772