While some will opt for the convenience of a pre-lit faux tree this Christmas, others will revel in the delight of a fresh pine, fir, or spruce. Amid all the holiday cheer, however, it’s important to understand the fire risk posed by these festive evergreens and the decor surrounding them.
Lights, candles and holiday trinkets should be thought of as fire hazards, especially when they’re near something as flammable as a tree. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than 200 home fires each year start with a Christmas tree, but there is something homeowners can do to mitigate damage — water the tree.
The NFPA filmed a video showing the difference between a fire starting on a watered tree versus a dry tree. While the watered tree barely smolders, the dry tree is fully engulfed in flames in less than 20 seconds. By the one-minute mark, the fire has spread to other areas of the room, destroying everything in its path. Watch it here.
For Proper Christmas Tree Safety:
- Keep your tree well-watered. A dry tree can be extremely dangerous.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree when it is dry.
Taking time to review these safety precautions and water your Christmas tree, might just save a life! At Southshore Insurance Professionals, we look forward to helping keep you and your family safe by providing the insurance coverage for all your home needs. You can reach us at (813) 448-7580, on our websites, or any of our social media channels.
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Source: https://www.inman.com/2017/12/14/watering-your-christmas-tree-can-prevent-a-destructive-home-fire/
