5 Ways to Have a Safe Christmas Tree: From your Maine Homeowners Insurance
It’s completely shocking to watch this video and see how quickly the fire engulfs the tree and then spreads to the room. The bottom line is that once a Christmas tree catches fire there is little to no time to react. Natural and artificial Christmas trees start an average of 250 home structure fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires cause approximately 14 deaths, 26 injuries and $13.8 million in property damage yearly. W.J. Wheeler Insurance Agency, your trusted provider of Maine Homeowners Insurance wants to share some tips from the National Safety Council to ensure that your Christmas is a happy and safe one.
1. Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.
2. Cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly.
3. Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.
4. Only use indoor lights indoors (and outdoor lights only outdoors). Look for the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.
5. Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.
Nothing will spoil the holidays like a Christmas tree fire. And not only will it spoil the holidays, but it could be a very serious event. Follow these tips, and take extra precautions to make sure that you don’t have any Maine Homeowners Insurance claims this holiday season.
Timothy Dillmuth
