It’s a sign that Christmas season has arrived when you can smell the scent of cinnamon in the air from burning candles, feel the warmth from the fireplace, and be mesmerized by the beauty of colorful lights and decorations on the Christmas tree. It’s all about family, sharing good times, and creating new memories. It’s also about taking preventative measures to avoid a house fire. According to National Fire Protection Association, “electrical failures or malfunctions account for 1/3 of all Christmas tree fires”. Let’s error on the side of caution instead on the side of regret.
Christmas Trees
- Keep live trees watered. A dry tree becomes great kindle and can easily catch on fire.
- Artificial trees should be flame retardant. An untreated tree is more likely to burn.
- Keep trees away from heat sources like fire places and space heaters. If they are too close, the tree can dry out and damage electrical lights which can spark and turn into a fire.
- Closely examine decorative, electrical lights for exposed wires. Again, damaged wires can spark and cause a fire and burn the tree.
- Turn off the decorative lights at bedtime or whenever you leave your home.
Heat Sources
- Space Heaters
- Never use extension cords on a space heater. The extension cord is not rated to handle the electrical current of a space heater.
- Allow at least 3 feet of clearance around the heater. Trees, curtains, and furniture can get hot, dry out, and catch on fire.
- Buy heaters that have an auto-off feature if it’s bumped by a person or pet.
- Fire Places
- Always clean and maintain the chimney. Creosote can build up in the chimney can catch on fire or block airflow.
- Never add too many logs at one time. Too many logs can burn too hot or cause large, uncontrollable flames
- Never leave a fire unattended. Burning coals are still extremely hot.
- Don’t hang Christmas stockings on fireplace mantle. If they aren’t well-secured, they could fall in front of the fireplace and a random amber could be projected onto it and burn.
Candles & Potpourri
- Never leave lit candles unattended.
- Always place lit candles on stable, non-flammable surface.
- Keep lit candles away from Christmas trees, curtains, and other flammable material.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Keep sufficient amount of water in potpourri pot. If the potpourri dries out, the container can get to hot and may even break. If it’s electrical, it could also damage the electrical cord.
Basic Safety Precautions
- Don’t overload electrical outlet
- Make sure all electrical cords are UL-listed. Some off-brands or those made in foreign countries may not be up to domestic standards.
- Don’t attach multiple electric cords together. Always use a length of cord suited for your project.
- Only use electrical lights rated for outdoors if hanging lights outdoors. They have been manufactured to withstand weather conditions.
- Never use frayed, cracked or broken electrical lights. This also applies to extension cords.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy and check it’s expiration date. If it cannot be found easily, it will not help put out a fire. If the extinguisher’s date has expired, it can not be guaranteed the fire extinguisher will function properly.
- Make sure your smoke detectors have been tested and have fresh batteries. If you didn’t do this at Daylight Saving Time, now is a good time.
Remember, it only takes 30 seconds for a dry Christmas tree to engulf a room in flames! For added safety, it’s best to have a monitored alarm system with smoke detectors. With a monitored alarm system, the proper authorities will be dispatched.
For more information about keeping your home safe, contact CT Security at 800-976-9248.
