Christmas is a joyful time of celebration, but not without dangers. Christmas tree fires happen regularly, and we want you to be safe.
Wait. Don't you artificial tree owners turn the page. While safer than real trees, artificial ones are not foolproof, especially if they are older, made out of metal or pre-wired.
Artificial trees made of PVC have their own particular danger. Many are flame retardant, but that doesn't mean they don't burn. The plastic may smolder for some time before visible signs of fire appear, and in that time toxic smoke is released. Once in flames, an artificial tree burns almost as quickly as a real tree.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, between 2003 and 2006 fire departments around the country responded to 240 fires started by Christmas trees. During that time there were 16 deaths and 25 injuries each year. Direct property damage totaled $13.1 million.
For a reality check. Google "Christmas Tree Fires". Watch a real tree and room become completely engulfed in flames in fewer than 40 seconds.
Nearly half of Christmas tree fires result from dried out real trees, the other half -- regardless of the type of tree -- occur because of faulty wiring, electrical malfunctions, or being too close to heat sources like heating vents or candles.
Here are tips to make you and your family safer.
Always make sure the decorative lights have been tested through a certified lab. UL or ETL/ITSNA are recommended.
Always inspect light strands before using. Throw them out when wires are frayed, connections loose, or light sockets cracked or damaged.
Do not overload extension cords. Never hide them beneath rugs.
Be careful when placing the tree. Don't wedge it into a corner, too close to a wall or the ceiling. There should be room for air to circulate all around it. This keeps a real tree from drying out as quickly and helps prevent the lights from adding to the heat.
Never put candles anywhere near a tree of any kind. Never leave them unattended.
Never leave decorative lights on when going to bed or leaving the house. Better to come back to a dark house, than a dark empty space where your house used to be.
It is essential to keep a real tree well watered. Check its reservoir every day. According to NFPA, you should take down a real tree after four weeks. For example, if you decorate your tree right after Thanksgiving, take it down before New Year's Eve.
Don't put the discarded tree in a garage, shed or propped up against a house. Completely dry, it poses a major fire hazard.
When buying a real tree, the trunk should be sticky with resin. Look for needles that are vibrant green and hard to break off. Thump the bottom of the trunk on the ground and reject any tree when the needles readily fall off.
Pets can be a worry too, either trying to climb the tree or eating the ornaments on it. Place the larger ornaments on the lower branches and the smaller, fragile ornaments higher. To make climbing an artificial tree more difficult, make it denser. Add extra branches, placing them in the trunk in alternate spaces.
According to ehow.com, the most secure stand is one with four legs in the shape of an X.
Please be careful this Christmas. The last thing the News-Sun wants to print on the front page this season is a story about your house burning down.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012 - www.newssun.com/edt-120512