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The holidays are fast approaching, meaning the lights, candles, trees, and decorations are coming out in full force to celebrate the season. Though holiday decorations are fun and spirited, they are also a huge fire hazard.
While Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are very serious. One of every four Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems, according to information shared by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Candles start two out of five home decoration structure fires.
This video from the National Institute of Standards and Technology shows just how quickly and completely a fire can consume a dry tree versus a properly maintained tree:
Don't be alarmed! Home holiday fires can be largely avoided as long as you take the proper precautions. Avoid tragedy this December and take extra steps to secure your home and family.
You can follow these simple steps from CAL Fire to ensure you remain fire safe for the holidays:
- Pick a fresh tree. Green needles are a good sign. Brown needles mean the tree is dry and more likely to catch fire. As soon as you get home, re-cut the trunk to allow it to continue to pull moisture.
- Water, water and more water! This tip cannot be emphasized enough. Always make sure the trunk is in water. Moisture will keep your tree fresh through the holidays, enhancing its fire resistance.
- Check water levels daily. Never let the water levels go below the bottom of the trunk! Add commercial floral preservatives to keep the tree looking lively.
- Try LED lights this year. LED lights produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire.
- Avoid placing your tree, lights, and decorations near a heating source. This also goes for live and artificial trees. Heater outlets, wood stoves, and fireplaces can spark a fire that will quickly catch on your decor.
- Turn off the lights! Whenever you leave the house, even when you leave the room, turn off the lights on the tree. A lighted tree should never be left unattended.
- Remove the tree immediately after the holidays. Yes, we all like to extend the holiday spirit by leaving the decorations up just a little bit longer, but even a properly cared for tree will eventually die, leaving the perfect kindling for a fire in its place. Take the tree to a recycling center or have it hauled by a community pick-up service.
- Do not leave burning candles unattended. Make sure all flames are extinguished before leaving home and going to bed. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Get rid of old lights. If any electrical cords have frayed or cracked wires or broken sockets, do not attempt to repair them. Just toss them.
- Two words: surge protector. Overloaded sockets can short and start a fire. Outlet surge protector power strips help alleviate the strain you put on your household sockets.
- Don't use electric lights on an aluminum/metal tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
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Real or fake Christmas trees? Begley's Bargains helps you decide which will save you more:
