Most people would say the holidays would not be the same without a Christmas tree. A real tree adds the scent of pine and a great deal of beauty to the holiday. The benefits however, do not come without a hazard. Each year around 400 residential fires occur that involve Christmas trees. Unfortunately these fires cause nearly 40 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The following safety tips are offered by Florida Engineering Solutions in the hope of preventing these fires.
If you will be buying a live Christmas tree, tap the tree on the ground to see if it is fresh. A fresh tree should not lose green needles. The risk of fire goes up dramatically on trees that are dry. A 6 foot Christmas tree will use a half gallon of water per day. To ensure your tree does not become a fire hazard, follow these steps: First, cut an inch off the bottom of the trunk to help the tree absorb water. Use a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water. Add a cap full of bleach, to help the tree absorb water. And last, fill the tree stand with water daily. Trees that are kept well watered and fresh during the holidays will not easily catch fire.
Look for a label that says "Fire Resistant" when buying an artificial Christmas tree. The presence of this label does not guarantee the tree will not burn, but that the tree will resist burning and be easily extinguished. As for metallic trees, never add electrical lights to them. Faulty lights could case the tree to become charged and become cause an electrocution.
The location of electrical outlets and existing traffic patterns should be considered when placing a Christmas tree. The fire hazard is increased when extension cords must run long distances. It almost goes without saying that Christmas trees should never be placed anywhere near flames or heat sources.
Are you aware that more than 15% of all fires involving Christmas trees are caused by defective or improper lighting? Using lights correctly is the first step. Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. Inspect all electrical decorations carefully before decorating. Loose connections, frayed or bare wires and loose connections are indications those decorations should be replaced.
Other Christmas electrical safety tips include: Don't connect more than 3 strings of Christmas lights together Don't connect more than 3 strings of lights to one extension cord. Never run extension cords underneath rugs. Always unplug lights to replace bulbs and fuses. Always unplug decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Never using candles on or near any tree, whether artificial or fresh.
For many, the Christmas tree is the center of the Christmas holiday at home. This year keep your home and family safe by following a few simple safety rules. Buy a fresh tree. Place the tree safely. Keep the tree well watered. Use only safe decorations. And remove the tree promptly when it starts losing needles. - 31979
If you will be buying a live Christmas tree, tap the tree on the ground to see if it is fresh. A fresh tree should not lose green needles. The risk of fire goes up dramatically on trees that are dry. A 6 foot Christmas tree will use a half gallon of water per day. To ensure your tree does not become a fire hazard, follow these steps: First, cut an inch off the bottom of the trunk to help the tree absorb water. Use a tree stand that holds at least a gallon of water. Add a cap full of bleach, to help the tree absorb water. And last, fill the tree stand with water daily. Trees that are kept well watered and fresh during the holidays will not easily catch fire.
Look for a label that says "Fire Resistant" when buying an artificial Christmas tree. The presence of this label does not guarantee the tree will not burn, but that the tree will resist burning and be easily extinguished. As for metallic trees, never add electrical lights to them. Faulty lights could case the tree to become charged and become cause an electrocution.
The location of electrical outlets and existing traffic patterns should be considered when placing a Christmas tree. The fire hazard is increased when extension cords must run long distances. It almost goes without saying that Christmas trees should never be placed anywhere near flames or heat sources.
Are you aware that more than 15% of all fires involving Christmas trees are caused by defective or improper lighting? Using lights correctly is the first step. Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors. Inspect all electrical decorations carefully before decorating. Loose connections, frayed or bare wires and loose connections are indications those decorations should be replaced.
Other Christmas electrical safety tips include: Don't connect more than 3 strings of Christmas lights together Don't connect more than 3 strings of lights to one extension cord. Never run extension cords underneath rugs. Always unplug lights to replace bulbs and fuses. Always unplug decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Never using candles on or near any tree, whether artificial or fresh.
For many, the Christmas tree is the center of the Christmas holiday at home. This year keep your home and family safe by following a few simple safety rules. Buy a fresh tree. Place the tree safely. Keep the tree well watered. Use only safe decorations. And remove the tree promptly when it starts losing needles. - 31979
About the Author:
The structural engineers at Florida Engineering Solutions have provided the above fire safety tips in the hope of preventing fires. They have the knowledge and experience to quickly evaluate fire damage and provide engineered repair drawings to meet the requirements of local building departments. We can help get your fire restoration project moving quickly.
