Christmas Tree Safety Tips from Sleek & Williamson

SWAdorning the tree with twinkling lights is a tradition enjoyed by many families every Christmas. Unfortunately while the Christmas tree is beautiful to admire, overloaded lights and dried-out branches are a recipe for fire disaster. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees each year. One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical failures. Here are some Christmas Tree Safety Tips to help ensure your and your loves ones stay safe during the holiday season.

1.   FINDING THE RIGHT TREE: LIVE OR ARTIFICIAL?

  • Artificial Tree: Make sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
  • Live Tree: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.

2.   PLACING THE TREE IN YOUR HOME

  • Live Tree: Cut 2” from the base of the live tree trunk before placing it into the tree stand.
  • Live Tree & Artificial: Make sure the live or artificial tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as a fireplace, radiator, candle, heat vents or lights, and not blocking an exit.
  • Live Tree: Add water to live tree stand daily.

3.   LIGHTING THE TREE

  • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
  • Do not use more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
  • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
  • Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Lights could short out and start a fire.

Let’s avoid the famous scene from the Griswold’s home in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and take the necessary steps to ensure you and your loved ones stay safe during the holiday season.

No matter what life situation crosses your path, you can depend on the team at Sleek & Williamson to have you covered. If you have any questions regarding your homeowner’s policy, please give us a call today at (770) 489-2403.

The information on this site is general in nature. Any description of coverage is necessarily simplified. Whether a particular loss is covered depends on the specific facts and the provisions, exclusions and limits of the actual policy. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any of our policies. You should read the policy for a complete description of coverage. Coverage options, limits, discounts and deductibles are subject to availability and to individuals meeting our underwriting criteria. Not all features available in all areas.