Christmas Tree Fire Safety

It’s that time of year again! We are putting the Christmas tree up and making it look beautiful with lights and ornaments. These beautiful trees can cause major damage; Christmas trees are one of the leading causes of home fires during the season.

How to prevent:

• Keep your tree a safe distance away from any heat source, such as radiators, fireplaces, lights or candles.
• Only use lights that are rated for indoor use. Also, check for the label of an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL).
• Before using lights, ensure there are no frayed wires, broken bulbs and cords, cracked sockets or loose bulb connections.
• Avoid overloading the power outlet and do not add multiple power strips.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Choose flame-resistant decorations, place more breakable decorations to the top where children and pets can’t reach them.

Fake vs. Real:

• Fake: Most artificial trees are designed for be fire-retardant.
• Fake: They may be vulnerable to fires caused by candles and electrical malfunctions.
• Real: You have to water them daily to increase their resistance to fire.
• Real: They are typically more prone to fires, especially if you don’t keep them hydrated.
• Real: Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be kept in the home or garage. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.

Stay safe and have a very Merry Christmas!

Contact your local PuroClean office at 937-401-9700 or 513-897-8990 for any fire damage clean up. PuroClean professionals can assist with any house fire, big or small. We always promote fire safety, check our Facebook page for more tips.