Christmas Tree Safety
Be "Fire-Aware" while you're decking the halls. The worst thing that could happen to a homeowner during the holidays is a house fire. Unfortunately, most of the decorations for the season can be hazardous if not maintained appropriately.
Before Inviting Evergreens into Your Home
-
Check to make sure your smoke detectors are working. This is a great time to replace the batteries and test them.
-
If you have Monitored Smoke Detectors please call the Central Station and notify them them, and to place your account on test mode.
-
Don’t have Monitored Smoke Detectors? Check out our Holiday Upgrade Special.
-
Check or Replace your home's fire extinguisher.
Placing Your Tree
-
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
-
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. (Patio door or hallway to front door)
-
Be sure to add water to the tree stand daily.
Lighting Your Tree
-
Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
-
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
-
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Yes, this was as real thing a long time ago!
-
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
FACTS
• One of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical failures.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every five of the fires.
TOP 10
Holiday Safety Tips
