Holiday Fire Safety Tips!

It is almost Christmas, that means trimming the tree, putting up holiday lights and just getting in the festive spirit!  

The holiday season can be very dangerous, with candles, cooking, decorative lights, fireplaces, etc.

If you choose to display a real Christmas tree in your home, there are some simple ways you can avoid a fire.  Unfortunately your beautifully decorated tree can become a fire hazard. Don’t let your Christmas tree become a deadly hazard!

According to the NFPA, many fire departments responded to about 230 home fires caused by Christmas trees. Unfortunately, deaths and injuries occurred, resulting in approximately $18 million in property damage.

Here are simple ways to avoid a Christmas tree fire:

1. Choose a tree with a lot of green needles, smells fresh, and has very little brown needles, which would indicate that the tree is more dried out.
2. Always provide your tree with plenty of water.  There is nothing wrong with giving your tree a good drink daily.
3. Make sure you check the manufacturer’s labels on lights and decorations to verify that they are flame-retardant.
4. Inspect all of your holiday lights closely. Old tattered, holiday lights could have frayed wires that can lead to a fire.
5. It is important to connect no more than three mini strands of lights, and there should never be more than 50 screw in bulbs on a strand.
6. Never place your real tree close to heaters, fireplaces, candles or lights. Normally, it is a good idea to display your tree at least 3 feet away from any heat sources.
7. Don’t ever place your tree in from of an exit.  If a fire should occur, you need to have a way to get out quickly.
8. Remember to turn off the lights whenever you leave your home, or go to to bed at night.
9. If your tree starts dropping a lot of needles; it is drying out, and it is time to get rid of it
10. It is crucial to have a smoke alarm working properly in your home to avoid a Christmas tree fire.

Enjoy the holiday season and be smart when decorating!