HOW TO AVOID CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

12/3/2019 (Permalink)

HOW TO AVOID CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

HOW TO AVOID CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

No one wants to spoil the holiday season. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree is often the focal point
of your home’s holiday decoration, but Christmas trees in the home can present a fire safety issue. A
primary concern with a Christmas tree is fire danger, often brought on by electrical malfunctions and in
the case of a real tree, a drying tree. Averages of 200 home fires were caused by Christmas trees every
year.
Here are things to keep yourself, your home and your loved ones safe this holiday season. Use these tips
to reduce your risk of a Christmas tree fire hazard:
HOW TO PREVENT CHRISTMAS TREE FIRES
Use these tips to reduce your risk of a Christmas tree fire hazard:
1. When choosing a tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
2. Cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in its stand.
3. Always keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including candles, heat vents,
lights, radiators and fireplaces.
4. Make sure the tree is not blocking any exits.
5. Add water to the tree stand daily to help prevent your Christmas tree from getting too dry.
HOW TO SAFELY USE LIGHTS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
1. Only use lights that have been tested for indoor use by an independent, recognized testing
laboratory.
2. Do not use lights intended for outdoor use on your Christmas tree.
3. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or with loose bulb connections.
4. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how many light strands can be safely connected.
5. Check all strands for cracks, frays and damage before use.
6. Do not overload outlets or power strips with Christmas lights and decorations.
7. Turn off your Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Fire safety is all about taking precautions and being careful, so follow these tips for a safer and merrier
Christmas!