If you celebrate Christmas, you know the joy a Christmas tree brings to you and your family. But even as one of the most popular holiday traditions, it can also be one of the most dangerous.
As the holidays approach, it’s essential to keep safety in mind while enjoying all the fun seasonal activities.
So before you start decorating your tree this Christmas, be sure to follow these 10 fire safety tips to keep your holiday merry and bright!
10 FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR CHRISTMAS TREES & THE HOLIDAY SEASON
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebrating. It’s a time when people come together to cook meals, exchange gifts, and decorate their homes.
But the holiday season is also a time when home fires increase. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, December is the peak month for home fires that start with decorations.
But don’t let that stop you from decking the halls — by following a few simple fire safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.
1. Inspect your Christmas Tree
Before putting up your Christmas tree, take time to give it a thorough inspection.
If you’re using an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” If you’re using a real tree, ensure it has fresh needles that aren’t drooping. Additionally, cut 2 inches off the tree’s trunk to allow it to absorb more water.
2. Keep Your Tree Away From Heat
This may seem obvious, but it’s a small tip that’s often overlooked. Place your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lamps, and keep it away from high-traffic areas where it might get knocked over.
3. Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets
If you’re in the camp of “the more lights, the better,” be careful not to overload electrical outlets. Inspect your light strings and bulbs prior to putting them on the tree; then, replace any that are frayed or have bare wires showing.
To go the extra mile, only use lights that an independent testing laboratory has tested for safety.
4. Never Leave Burning Candles Unattended
Always blow your candles out before leaving the room or going to bed. Consider using flameless candles or scented plugins as an alternative to traditional candles to get the holiday smells you love so much.
5. Be Cautious With Extension Cords
Whenever you use an extension cord for holiday lights or other decorations, make sure it is ethically grounded and in good condition with no cracks or damage. Do not nail or staple extension cords to walls or baseboards, as this could create a fire hazard.
6. Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Are Working
Using smoke alarms isn’t just a good Christmas fire safety tip; it’s a good tip for year-round fire safety.
Test your smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button — and put one on every level of your home and in every bedroom (or sleep with your bedroom door open if that would wake you up).
7. Don’t Leave Food Cooking Unattended
When cooking holiday meals, never leave food unattended on the stovetop — if you have to leave the kitchen even for a short period, turn off the burner and put it on the back burners if possible.
8. Keep Children and Pets Away
Keep your children and pets away from the Christmas tree and from the stove while cooking. The National Fire Protection Association reports that almost half of all home fires started by cooking equipment are caused by children under five playing with controls or knobs on stoves or ranges!
9. Keep Flammable Things Away From Stove
Keep things that can catch fire — like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels — away from your stovetop, so they don’t accidentally catch fire when you turn on a burner.
10. And finally… enjoy your holidays!
A little planning and preparation will ensure a fire-safe holiday season for you and your loved ones!
CHRISTMAS FIRE SAFETY TIPS
One of the most magical parts of Christmas is when your tree is lit with twinkling lights.
However, as magical as it is, a dry Christmas tree can also be a fire hazard. In the United States, approximately 210 structure fires are started by Christmas trees each year, resulting in an average of $10 million in property damage.
Proper Watering
The best way to prevent a fire is by ensuring that your tree is watered properly. Check the water level daily and add water as needed.
Again, you’ll want to start with a freshly cut tree and cut off another inch or two from the base before putting it in the stand. The fresh cut will help the tree absorb water more efficiently.
When it comes to regular watering, a good rule of thumb is one quart for every inch of trunk diameter.
Keep Away from Heat
It’s also essential to keep your tree away from heat sources. (And since a dry tree is a big reason for so many Christmas tree fires, this point is worth repeating.)
Heat will cause the tree to dry out faster, increasing the risk of fire. So f you have a real tree, keep it away from fireplace mantels and hearths, space heaters, radiators, heat vents, and windowsills where sunlight can hit it directly.
Remember, a dry tree is a dangerous tree!
Dispose of Trees Properly
Once Christmas is over, and it’s time to take your tree down, make sure you dispose of it properly. Never put it in your fireplace — a dried-out Christmas tree can ignite quickly and burn intensely.
The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or hauling it away by a professional service.
The holidays are a time for cheer and celebration, but they can also be a time for disaster if you’re not careful. That’s why we wanted to share these ten holiday fire safety tips with you. By following these, you can help keep your holiday season merry and bright — while avoiding any potential fire hazards. Have a happy and safe holiday season!
If you need help finding the best homeowners insurance coverage for the best price prior to the holiday season, start by speaking to a SimplyIOA agent at 833.872.4467 or get a homeowners insurance quote online now.
