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We are getting into the Holiday Season. As such it is time to start thinking about the Christmas tree. At this happy and festive time of year we do not want to have an unpleasant surprise of a disaster. Unfortunately the Christmas tree can be a source of many house hold emergencies.
Christmas Tree Fires
For many people, Christmas trees “make” the holiday. Unfortunately they also pose a great fire hazard. Each year more than 400 homes catch on fire somehow because of Christmas trees. Tragically, nearly 40 deaths and at least 100 injuries result from those fires annually.
There are steps you can take to help prevent a Christmas tree fire. First, you should always choose a fresh tree. Select one that has green needles that are difficult to pluck from the branches. Another sign that you have a live, healthy tree is a bit of sticky sap on the trunk. Keep your tree healthy and alive by watering it regularly. As a tree dies, its needles will turn tan and become much more flammable. When the tree begins to lose a lot of needles, it is time to get rid of it.
If you use an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as fire resistant. If the artificial tree comes with lights already attached, make sure that it has the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label, which means that it has been tested for safety.
If you plan to light your tree yourself, look for the UL label on the package. Check light strands for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. If the light strand is damaged, do not use it — it’s not worth the risk. Be sure to you use indoor lights, not outdoor lights, to decorate your tree. And never use lighted candles on or near your tree.
Electrical fires are common during Christmas time. Avoid the tragedy by adhering to common sense rules. Don’t place the tree near electrical appliances or loose wires. Don’t overload extension cords with lights. Each extension cord should support no more than 3 strands of lights. Lastly, be sure to turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Tipping Trees
After fires, the only real tree-related hazard is a tree that falls over. To avoid this, place your tree in a low-traffic area so that people do not push into it. Use a tree stand that is the proper size to support a tree the size of yours. Secure it well into the base before beginning to decorate. While decorating, always use a step stool or ladder to reach high places. Many people have knocked their trees over while trying to place the star at the top. An incident like that can certainly ruin the magic of the moment!
By thinking about keeping your Christmas tree safe now before the holiday season you will be able to sit back and enjoy the holiday emergency free.
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Every fire department states thate a cut tree is suitable under the following conditions. 1. Use only UL approved INDOOR lights only 2. Keep plenty of water on it (at least one gallon). I work at Home Depot and we sell cut trees every year and the things we do to keep trees fresh is we spray the trees daily to keep them moist. We also encourage that the tree have a fresh cut on the bottom at the cut point ( we will do this for you) and tell you to put in in water as soon as you get home. If you are not going to decorate it right away then place it in a bucket of water until you go to set it up. WATER IT DAILY!!! A fresh cut will absorbe one gallon within the first 24 hours and two quart everyday after. If you forget to water or are prone to many stores that sell trees also sell a pretty neat watering system, it's disquisted as a present and holds two gallons of water and automatically water the tree. We sell them for about $10.00. Follow these tips and your tree should later thoughout the holiday season. Have a Merry and safe Christmas.