Keep Your Holidays Jolly - Prevent Christmas Tree Related Fires

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

As weather cools and days get shorter, our minds turn to the fun and festivity of the upcoming holiday season.  Family gatherings, lavish meals, and festive decorations create lasting memories and build family traditions. A decorated tree is often the center of a home’s Christmas decorations.

To ensure that your family’s holiday memories are not marred by a tragic accident involving your Christmas tree, follow the safety tips below from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In the event of a fire, no matter how large or small, remember that SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak is nearby and ready to respond. We will quickly clean up and restore your property.

Pick a Tree

• Pick a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Place the Tree

• Before placing the tree, trim two inches off the bottom end of the trunk. This allows the tree to absorb water and remain fresh longer.
• Place the tree at least three free from any heat source, such as a fireplace, radiator, electric heater, candle, heat vent, or light.
• Ensure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Fill the bowl of the tree stand with water and add water daily to keep the tree fresh.

Light the Tree

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Make sure the lights you use are approved for where they are placed (indoor or outdoor).
• Discard any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose connections. Replace any missing bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions before connecting strands and do not exceed the recommendations for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Always make sure the tree lights are turned off before leaving home or going to bed.

Dispose of Tree Properly

• Dispose of the tree after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Hopefully, your tree will stay green and fresh throughout the season. Waiting to put it up closer to Christmas can help to ensure you won’t have a dry tree that poses a fire hazard before you are ready to dispose of it.
• Don’t leave the tree in the house or garage or outside resting against the house. Dried out trees burn explosively when ignited and pose a dangerous risk left in or near your home.
• Many communities provide recycling programs to help dispose of Christmas trees responsibly. Check with your local community.
• Bring lights you used for outdoor decorations indoors after the season to preserve them for future use.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that

• more than one of every four home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems
• one in every four is due to a heat source too close to the tree
• a small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can turn serious quickly

If your home or business experiences fire damage due to any kind of fire, SERVPRO of Ennis/Red Oak has highly trained technicians who are qualified to do thorough cleanup and restoration of your property. For any kind of damage due to water, fire, smoke, or mold. We are ready to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 972-937-1494.

This information and more about fire safety and prevention can be found at www.nfpa.org.