According to the U.S. Fire Administration, residential fire incidents are higher in the months of January, February and March – peaking in January. 15% of these fires are caused from heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces and even candles, being too close to combustibles. We want you to be safe this winter – and thru the holiday season.

Christmas Tree Safety

The holidays are a time for joy and celebrations when families gather together. While Christmas trees are quite festive, careful attention to detail is vitally important. At this time of the year, fires from dry Christmas trees are very common. Fires can easily start from a dry tree and endanger the lives of the entire family. Some simple guidelines for Christmas tree safety should be carefully followed to avoid any such tragedies, keep everyone safe and avoid personal injury and or property damage in your home.

A Properly Cut and Placed Tree

Fresh-cut Christmas trees need to be cared for properly from the very beginning. When you get it home – saw off another 1-2″ off the trunk to allow for better hydration of the tree. It should be cut straight, so that it is perpendicular to the trunk. This will help keep the tree more balanced and allow for better water absorption. It’s also important to use a tree stand that is the appropriate size for your tree – allowing for stability – as well as allowing for enough water in the reservoir. Using a tree stand which is too small can lead to instability and the tree falling over – and not enough water in the stand.

Basic Tree Maintenance

Once the tree has been cut and placed in the stand, it is important to maintain it properly throughout the season. This means making sure to keep it watered daily, so it does not dry out. Dried out branches can serve as kindling and can go up in flames fast.

Placement of Your Tree

Placement of the tree is also important to Christmas tree safety. Be sure it’s not sitting close to heat sources, such as fireplaces or radiators, extension cords (that could spark) or candles. Decorative lighting can even get too hot, so you should consider LED lights, and always remember to turn off or unplug your Christmas lights when you leave or go to bed – not leaving them unattended.

If you have small children or pets, you can also want to secure the tree with fishing line or guy-wires to the wall. It is clear and discreet, so it’s not likely that anyone will even notice it, and it could save you from the tree falling if the pets jump into it or a child pulls on it’s branches.

Have a Warm and Safe Holiday Season

We offer these simple reminders in hopes that you will have a wonderful, warm and safe holiday season.