Christmas tree fire safety tips

20 Dec Christmas tree fire safety tips

Posted at 11:02h in Homeowners' Insurance, Risk Management, Safety by
By Anita Byer, Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk

Did you know that fire departments respond to hundreds of home fires involving Christmas trees every year? Data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, shows that Christmas tree fires cause an annual average of 6 civilian deaths, 16 civilian injuries, and more than $16 million in property damage. These numbers are far more significant than they may appear because Christmas trees and holiday decorations are used for a very short time. This means that the risk of fire can be noticeably higher in homes with Christmas trees and holiday decorations.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA),

  • Fifty percent of Christmas tree fires happen between 3 p.m. and midnight. More than twenty-five percent occurred between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Approximately two out of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room or den.
  • Electrical distribution or lighting equipment (lamps, bulbs, wiring, cords, plugs, etc.) was involved in more than two in five home Christmas tree fires.
  • More than fifty percent of home Christmas tree fires were caused by electrical failure or malfunction and heat sources placed too close to trees.

 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology offers the following tips to help reduce the risk of Christmas tree and holiday decoration fires.

  • Water your tree daily. Regularly check the water level so the tree does not dry out.
  • Make sure that the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source (space heaters, candles, fireplaces, heat vents, or lights).
  • Make sure that the tree does not block an exit.
  • Only use decorative lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Make sure light bulbs, strings, and connections are not broken or damaged in any way.
  • Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Keep trees awaiting recycling or disposal away from your home and out of the garage.

 

Happy Holidays!

 

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