We here at The Law Firm of Brian Brijbag take pride in our family’s Christmas tree, just as we’re sure many of you do. But did you know that Christmas trees, while being beautiful and inviting joy and holiday spirit, also pose an increased risk of house fires? In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration states that Christmas tree fires even tend to be more dangerous than normal fires; 1 out of 32 Christmas tree fires end in death. To prevent an unfortunate disaster, follow these five Christmas Tree safety tips:
- Buy a fresh, green tree as close to Christmas as you can. I’m sure many of you already have your tree up and decorated, but if you haven’t gotten a tree yet and plan to buy a live one, look for the freshest one available. If the needles on the tree are brown or fall off when touched, then the tree is dying out. Healthy, green trees have more moisture and are less likely to catch fire!
- Place the tree away from hazards. We all want our Christmas tree to be in the best spot in the house, but if it’s within three feet of heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, or heating vents, then it could be a serious fire hazard, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Additionally, always keep an eye on pets and children around the tree so it doesn’t fall over. Consider using a sturdy tree stand and anchoring the tree to the wall.
- Water the tree every day so it doesn’t dry out. If you haven’t been watering your tree, you should start immediately by spraying it all over with water. (Be sure to unplug lights and remove decorations that you don’t want getting wet!) Keeping the tree healthy and watered will not only make it more resistant to catching fire, but will also extend the tree’s life.
- Check your tree lights for defects, especially if you reuse the same lights from year to year. If any bulbs are burned out, replace them with working bulbs. If some or all of your lights won’t work, even after replacing the bulbs, don’t use them, as it could indicate problems with the internal wiring. Additionally, watch out for overloaded plugs and wires that are frayed or exposed.
- Get rid of the tree at the end of the holiday season. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 37% of Christmas tree fires actually happen in January! As mentioned before, you should start watering your tree now if you haven’t been doing it; but, once the tree begins to die, you won’t be able to keep it healthy and moist. If it starts showing brown spots and shedding its needles, it’s likely not taking in the water it needs, and should be thrown out.
Please follow these Christmas Tree Safety tips! Be safe this Holiday Season and Merry Christmas!
The Law Firm of Brian S Brijbag 352-358-5880
Whether you or a loved one is suffering a significant injury or has been killed as a result of another’s unjust actions, then you might have a legal claim for damages as well as seeking justice against the offender. Brian S Brijbag PLLC’s Law Firm invites you to contact our Spring Hill office to arrange an initial No Cost legal consultation free of charge.
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