Authors: Andy McClain and Johnna Moore
Well, now that our post-Thanksgiving coma is over, most people are turning their attention to the next holiday. For many of us, that means a Christmas tree. Although they are beautiful, they make insurance agents like us cringe.
Every year, it is reported that an average of 260 homes are damaged by fires attributed to Christmas trees across the US causing over $16,000,000 in property losses.
With those numbers, we thought it would be a good time to outline some safety tips:
1.) First, let’s start by picking a tree. Pick a tree that has flexible branches and doesn’t drop needles readily. This practice can help you be sure it is fresh.
2.) When selecting a tree location in your home, make sure it is at least three feet away from any ignition source.
3.) Also, make sure that the tree is not blocking an exit.
4.) Before putting the tree in the stand, make sure you make a fresh cut on the bottom, an inch or two up the trunk, to allow the tree to take up water. Make sure that the tree is quickly placed into the stand and given water to prevent sap from sealing the fresh cut.
5.) Check the water level in the stand daily and add additional water as necessary preferably daily.
6.) When putting lights on the tree, inspect the light strands for damage. I know you do not have any rodents in your attic or basement, but just in case, take a look at the strands to make sure they have not been chewed on or damaged in any way over the offseason.
7.) Do not link more than 3 strands of lights on one extension cord as it can cause overheating.
8.) Finally, and most importantly, ALWAYS unplug your tree when you are leaving the house.
From all of us a Bagwell and Bagwell, we wish you a very safe and happy holiday season.
Here is a link to more information on Christmas Tree Safety from the National Fire Protection Association: