We all look forward to Christmas morning with decorated trees, presents, and goodies. What none of us expect is a fire, however, if statistics hold true for this year, there will be 250 home fires in the U.S. where the Christmas Tree is the ignition source, and 140 home fires where Christmas lights are the ignition source.
Don’t be a statistic this year. Here are some very simple things you can do to reduce your chances of a fire:
1. If you plan on purchasing a live tree, get one that is freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. You should be able to bend the needles without them breaking, and “stomp” the tree against the ground. If it leaves a ring of needles, the tree is dryer than the Sahara Desert. Don’t buy it.
2. Once you get the tree home, keep it watered and don’t place it near a heating vent or near a fire place. Seems pretty silly to mention those, but there are some people out there who will.
3. Live trees are good for about two weeks. Get it out of and away from your home after that time. The best way to discard your tree is to have it hauled away. Don’t burn it.
4. Inspect your Christmas lights – indoor and outdoor – each year. If you discover frayed wires, bare spots, gaps, cracked or broken sockets then it’s time to throw them away.
5. Don’t overload your circuits by adding more plugs than the circuit breaker can handle. It’s a good idea to feel the cords from time to time and determine if they are warm to the touch. If they are, you most likely have too many connected together.
6. Last but not least, be careful with candles. They look great, smell great and cause great fires when not appropriately care for.
Mesquite Fire and Rescue wishes you the very merriest of Christmases and a safe and Happy New Year!
