Holiday Fire Safety

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

Healthy Christmas tree decorated with ornaments.

The holidays are upon us! Yes, it’s true, things look a little bit different this year what with everything that has been going on with the year 2020.

However, one thing that we know for certain is that some of you will be getting a Christmas tree or will otherwise be putting up holiday decorations soon (if you haven’t already)!

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has you covered with fire safety tips that we are happy to pass along! Safety is by far the most important thing for us and you during this holiday season, so please take these tips and tricks seriously and stay safe with your families and loved ones this year.

• Choose a healthy tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Immediately before placing a tree in its stand, cut 5 cm (2 in.) from the base of the trunk; this can help the tree to draw up water. If the cut surface is allowed to dry, it will reduce the water uptake to the tree.
• Always keep the tree well-watered. Make sure to check the water level in the stand daily.
• Make sure that the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source (e.g. space heaters, candles, fireplaces, heat vents, or lights).
• Make sure that the tree does not block an exit.
• Only use decorative lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Make sure light bulbs, strings, and connections are not broken or damaged in any way.
• Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry and keep it away from your home/garage. Of the ten days with the largest shares of Christmas tree fires, none were before Christmas.
• Check with your local community to find a recycling program.