How to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires for a Happy Holiday
It makes sense that a dry, or even artificial, Christmas tree decorated with lights that produce heat is a fire hazard. But, did you know Christmas tree fires burn so quickly they are more deadly than other home fires?!
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of every 45 reported Christmas tree fires results in a death, on average. This is in comparison to an average of one death per 139 total reported home fires.
To reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire in your home check out these 10 tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
1. Don't overload your tree with too many light strands
When you get too many strands on your tree, you can overload your outlet and end up with too much heat on your tree. Look at the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can safely connect.
2. Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat sources While it's certainly picturesque to have a beautiful Christmas tree by your lit fireplace, it's also dangerous. A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four Christmas tree fires (NFPA). Beyond fireplaces, also pay attention to how close your tree is to any radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. 3. Keep your Christmas tree out of the way of an exit Keep trees clear of hallways and doors you need to use in the event of a home fire. Just like other furniture, you need a clear path to get out of your home in the case of an emergency.
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