The holiday season is just around the corner! Christmas trees, along with their decorations and lights, play a big part during the joyous holiday season. Unfortunately, they don’t come without a fire risk. Christmas tree fires aren’t very common, but when they occur, they are much more likely to be deadly than most other fires.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2013-2017, an average of 160 home fires per year started with Christmas trees. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.
What’s more, electrical failures and malfunctions account for almost two-thirds of the fires started by holiday lights. In addition, candles are about four times more likely to lead to a fire during the holiday season than any other time of the year.
Christmas Trees
To help you prevent Christmas tree fires this holiday, keep in mind the following safety guidelines:
- Consider an Artificial Tree
Compared to real trees, artificial trees are more resistant to fires. So, choose an artificial tree if you want to be safer this holiday. But make sure to purchase a “flame-resistant” type. This label doesn’t make the tree immune to fire, but if a fire occurs, it will burn slowly, giving you more time to extinguish it. - If You Choose a Real Tree – Get it Fresh
If you opt for a real tree, look for fresh trees with green needles that do not fall off when touched. If your tree is about six feet tall, add about one gallon of water to the tree stand daily. That helps to improve its resistance to fire. Also, cut two inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand. This allows the tree to absorb water better. - Put it in a Safe Spot
Place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as space heaters, candles, and fireplaces. The tree should not block any exit, as well. - Choose Flame-retardant Decorations.
Also, never use lit candles to decorate a Christmas tree! - Turn off the Lights
When going to bed or leaving home, turn off the tree lights. - Know When to Take it Down
Take your Christmas tree down after the holidays to minimize fire risks. Most trees start to dry out after one month, regardless of how much you water them. Also, since dried-out trees are a fire danger, don’t leave them in the home or garage, or placed outside against the house. To properly dispose of a natural tree, recycle it. Find a recycling program in your local community.
Holiday LED Lights
Using holiday lights makes your home festive, but safety is key. Here are tips to protect your home and loved ones this season:
- Remove Lights on Time
Take lights down within 90 days. Extended exposure to weather or wildlife, like squirrels, can damage them and create potential hazards for next season. - Avoid Electric Lights on Metallic Trees
Faulty bulbs can charge the tree with electricity. This can cause a fire or electric shock. - Use Tested and Certified Lights
Ensure your lights are certified by a reputable testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), to guarantee they meet safety standards. - Inspect Lights Before Use
Carefully check all indoor and outdoor lights before putting them up. Look for frayed wires, loose connections, cracked sockets, or broken bulbs. If a strand is too damaged, dispose of it properly. - Limit Lights Per Extension Cord
Don’t overload extension cords. Plug no more than three standard-sized light sets into one cord to prevent overheating and reduce fire risk. - Use Appropriate Outlets and Cords
Plug indoor lights into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet for added safety. For outdoor displays, choose UL-rated extension cords designed for outdoor use. - Secure Lights Safely
Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, gutters, or other surfaces using roof clips or insulated staples—never nails or standard staples, which can damage wiring. Keep lights away from windows and doors to avoid accidental damage.
Other Fire Safety Tips
The holiday season brings warmth and joy, but it’s also a time to be extra cautious about fire safety. Follow these guidelines to keep your home and family safe:
- Smoke Alarms
Test your smoke and fire alarms every month to make sure they function correctly. Remember to replace the batteries before and after the holiday season for uninterrupted protection. - Cooking
Unattended cooking is the top cause of kitchen fires. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking. If a pan catches fire, never pour water on it—it can cause burning oil to splash and lead to serious injuries. - Candles
Battery-operated candles are a safer alternative to traditional flame candles. If you use real candles, place them in sturdy holders and keep them at least one foot away from flammable materials. Always blow out candles before leaving the house or going to bed. - Fireplaces
Have your fireplace and chimney professionally inspected and cleaned annually. Use a protective screen to keep embers from escaping and igniting nearby objects.
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- Matches and Lighters
Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children to prevent accidental misuse. - Smoking
Encourage smokers to smoke outside and take their materials with them when they are finished. Provide large, stable ashtrays to minimize the risk of fires. - Fire Extinguishers
Keep a multipurpose fire extinguisher on each level of your home, ensuring it is rated for all fire types.
Even with all the proper measures in place, fires can still happen. When disaster strikes, call a professional restoration company, such as PuroClean of Dayton and Cincinnati. We can help restore your fire or smoke-damaged property to pre-loss condition quickly and efficiently. Our crews work 24/7, including on all holidays and weekends.
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