Practice Tree Safety to Protect Your Home at Christmas
There has been so many articles on the news this season of home fires caused by Christmas trees.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2000 to 2004, Christmas tree fires caused an average of 14 civilian deaths, 21 civilian injuries, and $16.8 million in property damage per year. On average, one in every 22 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death. Additionally, electrical malfunctions, candles, heaters, and children playing with fire started many of these preventable tragic fires.
- When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green with needles that are hard to pull from the branches. The trunk butt of a fresh tree should be sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
- Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
- When purchasing a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. Look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
- Place your tree away from heat sources and escape exits. Remember to water the tree daily.
- Decorate your Christmas tree (real or artificial) only with flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations.
- Make sure your tree stand is wide-based and sturdy. This will reduce the chances of the tree toppling over.
- Do not let a live tree dry out. Always use a tree stand with a water reservoir, and keep the reservoir filled.
- Never use candles on or near the tree.
- Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
- Never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.
- Consider using mini lights. These are the safest because they produce less heat.
- Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.
- Before using lights outdoors, check the label to be sure the lights have been certified for outdoor use.
- Lights should not touch combustible materials.
- Never use lights as decorations with an empty socket.
- Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, and replace old lights if necessary.
- Purchase only UL approved lights.
- Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.
- Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
- In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling these small pieces.
- Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. These may tempt a child to eat them.
- Wear gloves to avoid eye and skin irritation while decorating with spun glass "angel hair."
- Follow container directions carefully to avoid lung irritation while decorating with artificial snow sprays.
- Practice Tree Safety
- Have a ‘Family Escape Plan’. Get your kids and family members out ASAP.
- Gets Pets if possible but do not run back inside for a pet. Let Fireman get them out safely
- Keep the tree watered daily.
- Unplug at night.
- Do not plug numerous electrical appliances into the same plug as the lights.
- Never put candles on or near the tree. If possible use the battery operated candles.
- Call 911 immediately and do not just try to put the fire out yourself. Be sure to give cross streets as there may be multiple streets ie. Magnolia, First, Vine.
- Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your house.
- Keep lighters and matches away from kids.
- Do not smoke near the tree; best to smoke outside.
BE SAFE and have a happy holiday.
Thanks for Reading my Real Estate Blog..........
Kristin Hamilton- CalBRE #01492138 Keller Williams Realty–Women's Council of Realtors® Board Member. I am a full time agent and deal in all types of real estate transactions. Trusts, Probate, Short Sales, Standard Listing, Single Family Homes, Apartments 1-4 units, Duplexes and Condos. I am also an experienced REO agent. I sell real estate in the Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties. I am a trained and experienced Short Sale agent. If you are looking for a professional and experienced agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home; both traditional and short sales.
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