Christmas is in a couple of weeks and families are decorating their live Christmas trees. It is important to follow several rules for fire safety. Did you know, that each year fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees?
Here are several fire prevention tips to make your holiday safer:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand daily.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both make sure you choose the right ones.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
After Christmas is over and it’s time to take down the tree, place the tree at the end of your driveway to be removed by your garbage service or drop it off to be recycled. It’s important to take down live trees soon after Christmas is over. A 2013 report from the National Fire Protection Association shows that half of Christmas tree fires occur in the 20 days after Christmas. Even watering your tree daily, a live tree should be taken down after 4 weeks, according to the NFPA. It goes without saying, that burning your tree outside is not the best way to dispose of your tree. Many homes catch on fire from the flying particles.
We know how devastating fire damage can be, our team is available to help you rebuild your home. Call us at 330-244-9708 to get you back in your home for the New Year!
