Holiday Fire Safety
During the holiday season, homes are often beautifully decorated with candles, fresh garlands and trees adorned in lights. While the wonder of the season is exciting, it is important to be aware of potential fire hazards. Follow the tips below to make sure your home is festive and free of potential danger.
- If you choose to decorate a live tree, try to find one that is fresh. Fresh trees are safer for your home because they are less likely to catch fire. Some indicators of a fresh tree are:
- Vibrant green color with needles that are not easily plucked
- A trunk that is sticky with resin
Watch out for trees that have a greenish cast to their trunks and branches, as some growers spray trees with green paint to make them more appealing to buyers.
- When decorating your Christmas tree (live or artificial), ensure your tree won’t start an electrical fire. Some good tips include:
- Use only lights that have been tested for safety (a label from an independent testing laboratory should appear on the box)
- Check each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed wires or loose connections
- Use a maximum of three standard-sized strings of lights per single extension cord
- Keep cords and lights away from the tree’s water supply
- To dispose of your tree, take it to a tree recycling center or have it hauled away by a community pick-up service. Never burn trees, branches or needles in a fireplace or woodstove. Fir trees and pine trees have a copious amount of sap, which can explode.
For more on holiday fire safety, click here. If buying a new home is on your list of resolutions for the new year, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your homebuying needs! Let’s plan to meet soon.
