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By GreatDad Writers |
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Dads are usually in charge of fixing up the Christmas tree, the lights, and Christmas ornaments. With such a responsibility, keeping safety in mind becomes imperative. Here are some safety tips for installing and decorating a Christmas tree, from the National Safety Council.
Christmas Trees
- A real tree can add to the spirit of Christmas by filling your home with beauty and the scent of pine. But a real tree can also pose a fire hazard. Each year, more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees and tragically nearly 40 deaths and 100 injuries result from those fires.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.
- If you use an artificial tree, choose one that tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
Tree lights
- 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.
- Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs.
- Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.
Tree ornaments
- Always use the proper step stool or ladder to reach high places.
- Read labels before you use materials that come in jars, cans and spray cans.
- Never place lighted candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.
- Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.
- Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present. They may think that other tree ornaments are also edible.
Permission to reprint granted by the National Safety Council, a membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.
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By Jami,
From Los Angeles
Your readers may wish to check out christmastreeassociation.org. Lots of great safety tips from very credible sources. Thanks for your good post.
By Rick,
From St. Louis
Both you and National Safety Council need to update your half-true "facts."
The only reliable data on residential fires where a Christmas tree is the first item ignited come from the National Fire Incidence Reporting System (NFIRS) published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Their report indicate that only 111 fires per year involve a real Christmas tree, resulting in 0 zero deaths, whil 59 fires per year involve a fake Christmas tree.
That's right ...a fake tree. Many people think those things aren't flammable, but the truth is, they are and they do catch fire every year. Not very many, but it happens. Yet articles / posts like yours NEVER seem to mention this.
So instead of just trying to scare people out of getting a fresh, farm-grown Christmas tree, do a little research and provide facts.
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