Fire Safety

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

We’ve all seen it, that 48 second video where the Christmas tree fire completely engulfs a room in next to no time. We hate to be a bah-humbug here and we don’t want to spoil the party mood leading up to Christmas, but this is majorly important guys and girls so please listen up!

We’re all sensible people here and we’re sure you’re up to date with your fire safety. But it doesn’t hurt to remind yourself of some key advisory notes, especially leading up to the time when we will all be getting our decorations in! Hundreds of people suffer some form of fire disaster each Christmas, with fire departments responding to an average of 210 calls a year.

So with this in mind, read on for some top tips and advice on how to avoid a Christmas disaster this year!,

 

Choosing Your Christmas Tree

When choosing a real Christmas tree it is important to find one that has fresh, green needles that do not break or fall when touched. This means that the needles are fresh and so you can expect the tree to last right through Christmas without wilting. The trunk should also be slightly sticky to the touch.

Test the quality of a tree by bouncing the trunk on the ground – if many needles fall off then give the tree back! This means that the tree has been cut too long, has dried out and represents a fire hazard. Here at Christmas Trees Manchester we only have the finest quality trees in stock, come see for yourself!

Placing Your Christmas Tree

It’s an obvious piece of advice but one worth mentioning nonetheless – make sure your tree is placed at least three feet away from any heat source! This includes fireplaces, radiators, candles or any other exposed flame. Also ensure that your tree is not blocking any fire exit.

Caring for Your Christmas Tree

Make sure to water your tree regularly and keep it away from heat vents or any other sources of warmth. The heat will dry the tree out, making it more of a fire hazard then before. If you are a smoker, you also need to be mindful of where you are flicking your cigarettes and ash.

Fairy Lights and Decorations

You should always check the fuses of your fairy lights are the appropriate type and if any bulbs blow out you must replace them ASAP. Do not leave the lights on after you leave home or leave then on as you sleep; it is very easy for these things to overheat. Here are some more general tips on fairy light fire safety:

  • Don’t let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily;
  • Never overload plug sockets;
  • Never use lit candles on or near the tree;
  • Do not overload the tree with strings of lights.

When it comes to the decorations, anything made of tissues paper of cardboard can burn very easily; so keep these away from your lights! Do not hang decorations above an open, active fireplace and keep them away from all other sources of ignition; such as candles.

Packing up After Christmas

The removal of your tree is just as important as the installation. Ideally, you should dispose of your Christmas tree when it begins to drop its needles regularly. Dried-out trees are a major fire hazard and, therefore, should not be stored inside the home. It’s not a good idea to dispose of them yourself either, so don’t put branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove Your best option is to find your local community’s recycling program and dispose of it there.

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