Don’t Let Your Christmas Tree Ruin Your Holiday
Dec 14 2023 11:36AM
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most dangerous if you don’t pay attention to your decorations. Did you know there were over 1,000 fires in England last December caused by candles, fairy lights, and other festive items? Of which 47 of them involved Christmas trees! Christmas tree fires can be scary, as they grow fast and make a lot of smoke. To avoid this nightmare, here are some tips to make your Christmas tree sparkle without sparking a fire.
Pick a fresh and healthy tree:
If you love the smell and feel of a real Christmas tree, make sure you pick a fresh and healthy one. A dry tree can go up in flames easily and can engulf an entire room in less than 40 seconds. Look for a tree that has green needles that stay on when you touch them. You can also test the freshness of the tree by bending a needle in half, if it snaps, the tree is fresh. If it bends, the tree is dry. Don’t buy a tree that has brown or brittle needles, as they are more likely to catch fire.
Give your tree a drink:
Once you have picked a fresh tree, you need to give it a drink throughout the season. A well-watered tree is less likely to catch fire, as the water keeps the needles from drying out. Cut off about two inches from the bottom of the trunk before putting the tree in a strong stand that can hold at least one gallon of water. Check the water level every day and top it up as needed. Never let the water level go below the bottom of the tree.
Put your tree in a safe spot:
Another important tip is to put your tree in a safe spot away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, or space heaters. These can dry out the tree and make it burn. According to the National Fire Protection Association, one in every four Christmas tree fires is caused by a heat source too close to the tree. Ideally, you should put your tree at least three feet away from any heat source and make sure it is not blocking any exits.
Use safe and tested lights:
When it comes to making your tree shine, you should use safe and tested lights that have the British Safety Standard sign. Check the lights for any damaged wires, loose connections, or broken bulbs, and fix them if needed. Don't plug too many things into one socket or extension cord, as this can make them overheat and spark. Always turn off the lights before you go to sleep or leave the house.
Avoid candles and flammable decorations: Dispose of your tree properly:
Candles are a common cause of Christmas fires, as they can easily fall over or touch something that can burn. Never put candles near your Christmas tree or any other decorations that can catch fire easily, such as paper, fabric, or tinsel. Use battery-operated candles instead or put them in a stable holder on a flat surface away from the tree. Also, avoid using flammable decorations on your tree, such as spray snow, artificial snowflakes, or cotton wool. These
Finally, when the holiday season is over, you should get rid of your tree properly. Don't keep a dry tree in your home or garage, as it can be a fire hazard. Instead, take it to a recycling center or a local collection service. You can also check with your local council for any special ways to get rid of Christmas trees as some councils offer a collection service after the Christmas period. Don't burn your tree in a fireplace or a wood stove, as this can cause a chimney fire or a flash fire.