Now that the outdoor decorations are in place, let’s look at a few indoor safety facts and tips.
It’s important to know these winter holiday fires by the numbers:
•Between 2012-16, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 170 home fires per year that started with Christmas trees. These fires caused an average of four deaths, 15 injuries, and $12 million in direct property damage, annually.
• On average, one of every 45 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 139 total reported home fires.
• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 43 percent of home Christmas tree fires.
• In one-quarter (27 percent) of the Christmas tree fires and 80 percent of the deaths, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree.
• More than one-fifth (22 percent) of Christmas tree fires were intentional.
• Forty-two percent of reported home Christmas tree fires occurred in December and 33 percent were reported in January.
• Two of every five (40 percent) home Christmas tree fires started in the living room, family room or den.
How to keep you and your family safe:
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators.
• Heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly; be sure to keep the stand filled with water.
• Do not block doorways.
• Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory.
• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
• Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree—the tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house—the lights could short out and start a fire.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid sharp, weighted or breakable decorations.
• Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children who could swallow or inhale small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
• Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace.
For additional holiday safety information, contact your local fire department.
Happy holidays and be safe!