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Holiday Safety Tips

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

With the onset of the Holiday season, we will begin decorating our properties with festive lights, trees, candles and much more. If your home—like millions of other households in the United States—includes a natural Christmas tree in its holiday decorations, the breathtaking beauty of this decoration comes with a fire risk.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (nfpa.org) following these tips can help reduce the risk of fire.

PICKING THE TREE

  • Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

PLACING THE TREE

  • Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
  • Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

LIGHTING THE TREE

  • Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Some lights are only for indoor OR outdoor use.
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
  • Do not exceed manufacturing instructions for number of light strands to connect.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur they are more likely to be serious.

(source NFPA's website nfpa.org)

Additional Safety Tips

  • Use sturdy, safe candle holders places on a flat surface where they cannot be easily knocked down.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended...even for a short length of time.
  • If you purchase an artificial tree, look for one that is labeled fire-retardant.
  • Unplug or switch off lights when leaving or going to bed.
  • Periodically check the wires on your lights, they should not be warm to the touch.
  • Do not leave food cooking unattended. 

If you or your loved ones experience a fire or water damage this holiday season call SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties at 765-575-8654, our team is always ready to help!