Christmas Tree Fire Safety
They say that Christmas is the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, and for the vast majority of households this is true, however the threat of fire is present even when the snow is falling outside.
The Christmas tree may be the overriding symbol of this time of year but it is also the biggest fire hazard, so how can you ensure that your festive season does not become memorable for all the wrong reasons?
Fire Seals Direct are specialists in fire prevention products and recommend a number of measures to avoid your Christmas tree going up in smoke.
Choose the Right Christmas Tree
The choice between real and artificial Christmas trees is an age old debate – but either way you need to make sure that the one you choose is as fire safe as possible.
If you go for an artificial model then make sure that there is a label identifying it as fire retardant, while for real trees make sure that they are fresh and that too many of their needles don’t fall off when touched.
Keep Clear of Heat Sources
It sounds obvious when you hear it, and yet people still make the mistake of placing their tree in a dangerous location every year.
Keep your Christmas tree at least three feet from any source of heat, so that includes fireplaces, radiators or lights. Although the level of heat emanating from any of these things may seem too low to spark a fire, the accumulated effect over a day could be.
It is equally important that the tree isn’t blocking any exits as, in the event of a fire, it may stop you evacuating from your home quickly.
Use the Right Lighting
A Christmas tree wouldn’t be complete without the lights that decorate it; however it is vital that you only use lights that have been independently tested for fire safety, while some are only designed for use outside or inside, but not both.
After digging your old lights out of the attic remember to check the wires thoroughly before plugging them in, as well as the bulbs to check that there are no loose connections. If in doubt – replace.
Finally, remember to switch them off when you go to bed or leave the house.
Disposing of Real Trees
The benefit of artificial trees is that you can keep them for years to come, however if you have invested in a real one it is essential that you dispose of it as soon as it begins to drop needles. A dried out tree is a major fire hazard, even if it is stored away somewhere you think is away from anything that might ignite it.
Many of the secrets to fire prevention at Christmas are common sense; however it is often the simplest of steps that people neglect to take. Make sure you don’t make that mistake this year and have a merry Christmas!
This Christmas Tree Fire Safety blog was written by John Rooney on behalf of Fire Seals Direct – specialist stockists of products designed to reduce the spread of fire.
