In Corvallis, Oregon, the winter holidays are a busy time filled with family activities, community events, and festive gatherings. With excitement in the air and a seemingly endless to-do list, it’s easy to overlook safety precautions. However, it’s important to take time to review basic holiday fire safety, especially when it comes to your Christmas tree.
A beautifully decorated tree can be the centerpiece of your home’s holiday décor, but it can also be a fire hazard if not handled properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires are most common during the winter months, and Christmas trees are responsible for an average of 160 home fires each year. These fires spread rapidly, causing significant property damage, with electrical issues being the leading cause.
To help keep your home, family, and holiday celebrations safe, follow these fire prevention tips from the experts at ServiceMaster Restore®.
How to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires
If you prefer an artificial tree, ensure it’s certified by an independent testing lab and labeled as fire-resistant. If you opt for a live tree, follow these steps to reduce fire risk:
- Choose a fresh tree: Look for one with green, flexible needles that don’t fall off easily.
- Prepare the tree: Cut about two inches from the trunk’s base before placing it in a stand.
- Keep it hydrated: Add water to the tree stand daily to prevent it from drying out.
- Distance from heat sources: Ensure the tree is at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, and heat vents.
- Avoid blocking exits: Make sure the tree isn’t obstructing doorways or escape routes.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Keeping your live tree fresh is key to preventing fire hazards. Here’s how:
- Check for freshness: Fresh trees have flexible needles that don’t break when pulled. If the tree sheds a lot of needles when tapped on the ground, it’s too dry.
- Water your tree: Regularly water the tree to prevent it from becoming a fire risk.
- Use a potted tree: Consider a potted live tree that can be planted after the holidays for a lasting memory.
- No candles on the tree: Never use real candles as decorations on or near your tree.
- Fire-resistant artificial trees: If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled as fire-resistant.
- Inspect lights: Check all strands of lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs before decorating.
- Limit light strands: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid connecting more than three light strands to a single extension cord.
- Avoid overloading outlets: Don’t overload outlets or power strips with holiday lights and decorations.
- Unplug when away: Turn off tree lights and unplug non-essential electronics when leaving home or going to bed.
- Keep candles away: Maintain at least three feet of distance between lit candles and your tree.
- Use flame-resistant decorations: Only use non-combustible or flame-resistant ornaments on your tree.
How to Safely Use Christmas Tree Lights
Christmas tree lights can create a magical ambiance, but they can also be a fire hazard if not used properly. According to the NFPA, electrical lighting and equipment account for 40% of home Christmas tree fires. To keep your home safe:
- Use indoor-rated lights: Only use lights that are tested for indoor use by a recognized testing lab.
- Avoid outdoor lights on trees: Lights intended for outdoor use should not be used on indoor trees.
- Replace damaged lights: Check light strands for worn cords or loose bulb connections and replace them if damaged.
- Follow instructions: Review the manufacturer’s guidelines on how many light strands can be safely connected.
- Inspect lights: Look for cracks, frays, and other damage before hanging lights.
- Don’t overload power strips: Be mindful of the number of decorations plugged into power outlets.
- Turn off lights when not in use: Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Stay Safe Beyond the Christmas Tree
Christmas tree fires aren’t the only fire hazard during the holiday season. Use these safety tips to protect against other winter fire risks, like space heaters, fireplaces, and candles. By staying proactive, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season.
If a fire does occur despite your precautions, don’t panic. ServiceMaster Restoration & Cleaning Services professionals are available 24/7, even during the holidays, to help you restore your home quickly and get back to celebrating with your loved ones.
