10 Essential Christmas Tree Safety Tips To Avoid a Tragedy This Holiday Season

Every year, Christmas trees start fires. While these fires aren’t common, they tend to be serious, resulting in costly damage, property loss, and even loss of life.

From 2016 and 2020, firefighters responded to an average of 160 home Christmas tree fires per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average, these fires led to 11 civilian injuries, two civilian deaths, and $12 million in property damage per year.

Typically, the culprit is an electrical problem or a heat source too close to the tree. But these accidents are usually preventable when you take the proper precautions.

Minimize the chances of a Christmas tree fire in your home by following these 10 tips.

1. Select the safest tree possible.

When you purchase a live tree, choose a fresh tree with springy green needles that stay put when you touch or shake the tree. Look at the cut end of the trunk, too. It should be sticky and resinous, not dried out. If you’re buying an artificial tree, make sure it comes with a label marked “fire-resistant.” Even though this doesn’t mean the tree is 100% fire-proof, it’s still a worthwhile safety indicator.

2. Place the tree in a safe spot.

Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, TVs and hot lights, and don’t block any exits.

3. Make sure the tree is topple-proof.

Secure the tree in a sturdy tree stand with widely spaced feet for stability. Loop twine or fishing line around the trunk and tie it to screws in the wall. A well-secured tree isparticularly important if you have pets or small children.

4. Water the tree regularly.

Make sure your tree stand has a large water reservoir and add water daily. A dried-out tree is a fire risk.

5. Light the tree safely.

Use UL-approved lights, and don’t overload your outlets or string together more lights than the manufacturer recommends.

Check all light strings for signs of wear, blackened sockets or exposed wires, and throw away damaged strings.Make sure all bulb sockets have bulbs in them to prevent electrical shocks or a fire. And run lighting cordsalong walls, not under rugs. This helps prevent overheating.

6. Keep gifts away from heat.

Wrapping paper and boxes are extremely flammable. Don't place gifts nearopen flames or electrical connections. Gift should not be touching any lights or electrical ornaments.

7. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Make sure every family member knows how to use it.

8. Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and replace them if necessary.

Test your smoke alarms regularly, and run fire safety drills with your family.

9. Turn off the tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed.

Even LED lights can overheat and cause a fire, especially if your tree is dry. To make it safer, purchase a timer for your tree lights. You can also buy a wireless control to shut off your lights through an app on your phone.

10. Dispose of your tree properly and promptly.

Remove the tree from your home before it dries out. Carefully remove all decorations and find a tree recycling program near you. Don’t leave the tree in your garage or lean it against your home.

Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove or fireplace. Needles burn quickly and intensely,which can cause them to flare up and burn out of control.

Protect your home

In the excitement of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget safety. Both real and artificial trees are susceptibleto fires, especially when strung with lights. Keep these 10 simple tips in mind to protect your home and lovedones.