Christmas trees may be merry and bright, but they can also pose a serious risk of fire hazard in your home. U.S. firefighters respond to around 200 Christmas tree fires per year, according to the National Fire Research Laboratory at NIST.
Watch How Quickly A Christmas Tree Fire Spreads
Here are five steps to increase your Christmas tree fire safety this year.
Step 1: If selecting a live tree – pick one with fresh needles
Be picky! It’s essential to choose a tree with green, flexible needles that don’t easily fall off. This means the tree has been freshly cut and will last longer. When you put it in your tree-stand, make sure the stand has a large water reservoir. Check it every day to make sure the water level stays consistent. When the tree trunk stays moist, the needles will stay healthy and strong.
Step 2: Keep the tree watered daily
A dried-out Christmas tree in a home is a fire hazard waiting to happen — constant moisture is key, about a gallon of water a day. If you discover a lot of needles falling to the ground, that’s a sign the tree isn’t getting enough water. According to the NFPA, a parched tree can burn faster than a newspaper.
Step 3: Keep your tree away from heat sources
Finding the perfect spot in your house to place your tree can be tough. Ensure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and heat vents. It should go without saying, but never use lit candles to decorate your tree! While it may look pretty, they can easily fall over as they melt, and no Christmas tree is fire retardant.
Step 4: Check the lights before you string them
A live, lit Christmas tree can look beautiful even without any ornaments decorating it. Only lights labeled for indoor use should be used. Examine all strands and keep an eye out for any frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. If you spot signs of damage or wear, the lights should be replaced. Make sure to turn the lights off before you go to bed or leave the house.
Step 5: Get rid of the tree after 30 days
To avoid a Christmas tree fire hazard, plan to take the tree out of your house four to five weeks after you get it. Never put tree branches or needles in an indoor fireplace. Call or check online to find out if your city offers free tree pickup as part of their regular garbage service. If so, simply drag your tree out to the curb on the designated pickup day.
At ALE Solutions, we understand being displaced from your home at any time is devastating, but during the holidays is especially difficult. ALE works with insurance adjusters at the First Notice of Loss to quickly move policyholders into temporary housing. For more information, please visit alesolutions.com
