Christmas Tree Safety

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Christmas tree are really a thing of beauty! They are wonderful to look at in your home, and they also add their beautiful pine aroma to the air. Real Christmas trees are also a fire hazard that is not to be taken lightly! From 2012-2016 US fire departments responded to an average of 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused and average of 4 deaths, 15 injuries, and $12 million in property damage. Follow these safety precautions to make sure your tree is as safe as can be!

• Always choose the freshest tree you can find. Look for the tree with vibrant, green needles that are hard to pluck. The tree should not be shedding needles readily.
• Place your tree away from all sources of ignition.
• Make sure your lights have been tested by UL for safety, and throw any damaged lights away.
• Keep the tree stand filled with water to help avoid the tree drying out.
• Always turn the tree lights off when leaving your home and before going to bed.

An artificial tree, while it does not provide that wonderful smell, is a great substitute for a real tree that does not have anywhere near the fire hazard potential. Whichever you choose to place in your home the team at SERVPRO of Putnam County want to wish you a safe and merry Christmas!