December holidays usually consist of family gatherings, Christmas tree lightings, holiday decorations and many other festivities and traditions. Unfortunately, it is also a time of increased risk for fire. Holiday fires can be linked to kitchen fires, dry Christmas trees, candles, and even faulty wiring of decorations. There are simple safety precautions you can take to avoid a visit from your local fire department and ensure that your December holidays are memorable, safe, and filled with joy.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), suggests the following safety measures:
- Keep candles at least twelve inches away from anything that burns. Make sure they are in stable holders and cannot be knocked down easily. Better yet, go to battery operated flameless candles that can look, feel, and smell like real candles. Christmas day is the peak day for Candle fires.
- Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires. Turn off all the holiday lights when you go to bed and/or leave your home.
- Read manufacturer instructions for the number of light strands that can be connected.
- Natural Christmas trees should be cut at a 45-degree angle and placed in water. Water your Christmas Tree every day. A dry tree can burn extremely hot and very fast.
- Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, or heat vents. Also do not block exits with your tree.
- Dispose of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
FEMA has an interesting video of a dry tree burning compared to one that has been properly watered. It’s entitled “Christmas Tree Burn Demonstration”. Almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
How to Choose a Christmas Tree
Choosing a Christmas tree can be fun as well as sometimes stressful if you do not know how to choose a healthy tree. There are a few tips that will help make choosing a tree easier. There are several varieties of trees that are grown in the United States specifically for Christmas. Do your research to determine what type of Christmas tree works best for you. When selecting a tree pinch on a branch and pull it down. If the branch loses a lot of needles, this tree is not a good choice. Another way to check the health of a tree is to shake it and watch to see what areas do or do not shed needles. It is normal for a healthy tree to lose some of its interior needles but a large number of exterior needles dropping is a sign to keep looking.
A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point study found that within the first ten days, all cut evergreens excrete resin that naturally seals the trunk cut. Very little water will be absorbed after that, no matter which tree you bring home. This is the reason the water level in a tree stand stops going down at some point. Cut off about two inches of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand with widespread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.
Decorations
Lights are the main focus of holiday decorating. When choosing lights, make sure you look at manufacturer guidelines. If you are putting lights outside, make sure they are rated for outside use and are securely fastened to trees, house, walls, or other firm support to protect from wind damage. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Also, never use electric lights on a metallic tree.
When choosing decorations for your tree, keep children and pets in mind. Both are very inquisitive and will want to touch and play with the ornaments. Breakable ornaments should be placed toward the top of the tree where small children and pets cannot reach them. Tinsel, ribbons, wreaths, and other decorative materials also can be tempting for small children and pets to play with and try to eat. These items whether swallowed in whole or in part can cause choking or intestinal blockage. Consider tying your tree to the ceiling or a doorframe using fishing line to secure it. You could wake up to a mess if the tree is tipped over. The holidays can be stressful enough without that or trip to the emergency room or vet.
Fireplace Safety
Fireplaces add a very nice touch to the holidays and are not just a source of warmth but can become the heart of Christmas celebrations. Families like to gather around them, hang stockings and decorate them. To stay safe around a fireplace, keep flammable decorations, presents and wrapping paper at least three feet away from the fireplace. You should always use a fire screen to prevent embers and logs from escaping. Put out the fire before you leave the house or go to bed and make sure the fire is completely out. It is always best to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working. Have a fire extinguisher nearby. Use well-aged, dry wood for your fire and lastly have a professional inspect and clean your chimney annually.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM
YOUR FIRE DISTRICT FAMILY