Christmas trees have become much safer since the days when we used actual lit candles to decorate them, but they still cause roughly about 160 home fires every year.
You can minimize the chances that your tree will go up in flames by following these Christmas tree safety tips:
· Pay attention to your wires: Problems with electrical distribution or lighting equipment account for about 34% of Christmas tree fires. If you’re not sure what counts as “too much,” read and follow the instructions on your lighting equipment and surge protector.
· Keep trees away from heat sources: About a quarter of tree fires happen because the tree is too close to a heat source (fireplace, space heater, radiator, etc.). When you choose the perfect place for your tree, make sure it’s clear of things that get hot.
· Keep it watered: In the event of fire, a watered tree burns much slower than a dry tree, which increases the odds that you’ll catch the fire and put it out before serious damage is done.
· Get rid of it: While the majority of Christmas tree fires occur in December and January, 26% actually happens between February and November, possibly because trees still lingering in February are dry and more flammable. Avoid this fate by getting rid of your tree by mid-January.
· Consider going fake: Fires aren’t the only risk Christmas trees present: they also cause allergic reactions in many people. As with candles, artificial trees can reduce your fire risk and save the sinuses of some of your loved ones.