Keep your Nashville home safe from fire damage this year by following these Christmas tree safety tips

12/4/2015 (Permalink)

The holiday season is upon us and the streets and houses are covered in color. As you drive around the city you can see homes strung with lights, wreathes hanging on doors and trees lit up in windows. If you decide to pick out a real tree this year, remember to keep some safety tips in mind. The National Fire Protection Association gives some tips on how to stay safe while picking out, placing, decorating and disposing your tree.

Picking out a tree  

• Pick out a tree that is fresh and not dead or dying. Look for a tree that displays fresh, green needles that don't fall off easily.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in a stand, cut approximately 2” off of the base of the trunk.
• Take a look around the room and make sure to place the tree at least three feet away from any type of heat source including, but not limited to, fireplaces, candles, radiators, heaters or lamps.
• Make sure that the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the base daily to keep the tree from drying out and causing a fire hazard.

Decorating the tree

• Check the lights to make sure they’re labeled as tested and that you are using them as stated (indoor or outdoor use).
• Replace strands of lights that are worn, frayed or have loose bulb connections.
• Turn off lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

Disposing of the tree

• Get rid of the tree as soon as possible after Christmas. Having a dried out tree in the home is a fire hazard. Check with your local community to see what your options are for disposing the tree properly and safely. Do not leave the tree in the home, garage, or leaning against the house outside.