Christmas tree safety: Avoiding dangers that can mean holiday disaster

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Published Date 12/27/2024

Firefighters are heroes, no doubt. But when they go home, it’s their wives who hear their stories of blazes and ill-thought holiday electrical disasters.

Such is the case reported by Realtor.com’s Christine Zap as told by Arizona-based firefighter wife/real estate agent Jessica Rush. Married to a fireman for 17 years, Rush regularly shares fire safety tips on her TikTok account, where she goes by the username @unhingedreviewswjess.

One of her recent videos sparked important conversations about Christmas tree safety, highlighting how seemingly innocent decorating choices could lead to devastating house fires. "Nothing ruins the Christmas season like everything Santa brought you being burnt up in a fire, along with everything else you own," she cautions.

At the heart of many holiday fire hazards are power strips, which can become dangerous when overloaded with Christmas lights and decorations. While convenient, these electrical hubs can spark and ignite fires if too many items are plugged in. Experts recommend plugging decorations directly into wall outlets whenever possible. If a power strip is necessary, choose one with an on/off switch that will automatically shut off if overloaded.

The condition of your holiday lights is equally crucial. Before decorating, carefully inspect each strand for broken bulbs, frayed wires, or pinched cords. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, electrical problems cause nearly one-third of home Christmas tree fires. Even LED lights, which run cooler and more efficiently than traditional bulbs, can pose risks – statistics show that lamps and bulbs initiate almost 20% of Christmas tree fires.

For those who prefer real trees, proper care is essential. The process starts with having someone capable trim the trunk before setup, followed by consistent watering – these living decorations can consume up to a gallon of water daily. A dried-out tree becomes highly flammable, significantly increasing fire risk. Signs that your tree is dying, such as refusing to take in more water, should be taken seriously.

Placement matters, especially in smaller homes where space is limited. Trees should be kept at least three feet away from any heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, space heaters, and candles. The risk doesn't end with the holiday season – January sees almost as many Christmas tree fires as December, making proper and timely disposal crucial. Many communities offer curbside recycling services for trees, typically within two weeks after the holidays, provided all decorations and flocking are removed.

One simple but often overlooked safety measure is unplugging tree lights before sleeping or leaving the house. While some people boast about leaving LED lights on for extended periods without issues, experts warn that even these more efficient options can become hazardous when left powered for too long.

Realtor, TBWS

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