Crucial Christmas safety tips: Keeping trees safe from fire
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The sight, the smell, there’s nothing quite like having a real Christmas tree. But Columbus Fire and Rescue warned there were dangers that could come with those decorations.
Fire and Life Safety Educator Jaquay Sherrod explained that just like decorating, preventing a tree fire starts with choosing the right tree.
“So when you’re purchasing a real tree, you should pick a fresh tree that’s not dried out. Look for firm, green needles that don’t fall off easily. That’s an indicator that you’ve got a pretty good tree,” said Sherrod.
A live Christmas tree is three times more likely to catch fire than an artificial one. But that doesn’t mean fake trees can’t burn, too.
Studies show that 25% of Christmas tree fires are the result of electrical problems or heat sources.
“Lights are the number one cause of tree fires. So, you should inspect them. Look for things like loose connections, bare wires, and broken or cracked sockets. If you find any of those things, discard them,” said Sherrod.
A Christmas tree is always a fire hazard, but a dry tree increases the likelihood of a fire dramatically.
“If you see a lot of needles on the floor around your tree, that’s going to be an indicator that your tree is dry and it’s going to need some attention,” said Sherrod.
And the risk of a dry tree is not to be underestimated.
“A dry Christmas tree can be fully engulfed in about 10 seconds. It can engulf the whole room in about 30 seconds. Sometimes quicker than your smoke detector can even go off. Your room would be already in flames,” said Sherrod.
About half of fires involving holiday decor are the result of those decorations being too close to a heat source.
“Your tree should be placed at least three feet away from any heat source, things such as fireplaces, space heaters, and candles. Also, don’t place them in hallways or by a door. You don’t want to block any of your exits,” said Sherrod.
A little extra caution and care can go a long way with your Christmas tree and your family’s safety.
