Christmas Tree Safety Tips: Eliminating Fire Hazards

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Follow these Christmas Tree fire safety tips to stay safe this holiday season. Merry Christmas from SERVPRO of Charlottesville!

The holidays are quickly approaching which means many people are going to start picking out their Christmas trees, whether live or artificial. In the midst of all the excitement associated with this annual tradition, it’s important to keep safety a priority and to be aware of some practical tips to ensure you are minimizing the risk of creating a fire hazard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas tree fires are uncommon but when they do occur they are more likely to be severe. A stat from the NFPA website states between 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 200 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 6 deaths, 16 injuries, and $14.8 million in direct property damage annually. By following the below tips offered by the NFPA, you can ensure you are taking the necessary actions to eliminate the potential for a fire hazard.

Choosing your tree

• Pick a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand and it’s recommended to add water daily.

Lighting the Tree

• Use lights that have a label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

The below link shows how quickly a Christmas tree fire can take off

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQT8yOYJKxQ