Steps for Christmas Tree Safety
12/13/2021 (Permalink)
Every year there are thousands of reports of falls from ladders while stringing lights and hanging decorations, incidents of lacerations from broken glass ornaments, and other holiday-related injuries. Emergency rooms treated an estimated 14,700 holiday decorating-related injuries in 2016! Between 2012 and 2014, there was an average of 10 deaths and $15.7 million in property loss that were related to Christmas tree fires. During that same time period, an average of 10 deaths and $42.2 million in property loss occurred as a result of fires related to candles.
How to prevent Christmas tree fire hazards
Make sure that your live tree is fresh – nobody likes a burning Christmas tree! The needles should be difficult to pull from the branches and they shouldn’t break between your fingers. Make sure your live tree has plenty of water.
If you’re using an artificial tree, make sure to look for the “Fire Resistant” label. The label doesn’t guarantee a tree won’t catch on fire, but it does mean it’s more resistant to it catching on fire. If you tap the tree on the ground, very few needles should fall off.
Keep the tree away from heat sources such as candles, vents, radiators, and fireplaces.
Practice Christmas tree safety by making sure the tree is out of traffic and that it’s not blocking any doors