Christmas Decoration Safety Tips

For many of us, Christmas time is the happiest time of the year.  December is a month of gathering with family and hosting friends.  It is a time when we give friendly greetings to mere acquaintances and our warmest smiles to strangers.  It is also a season full of baking and decorating.  At the center of the decorations in most homes is the Christmas tree.  A symbol of hope and joy, the Christmas tree has a special place in our hearts and homes during the Christmas season.  Unfortunately, Christmas trees and other decorations such as candles and lights can have risks.  Taking proper care of your Christmas tree and decorations will ensure that you enjoy a happy holiday season and not a tragic one.

Make Sure Artificial Trees and Ornaments are Flame-Retardant or Flame-Resistant

Try to reduce your risk of fire from the start by buying only trees and ornaments which are flame-retardant or flame-resistant.  The flame-retardant label does not ensure that the decorations will not burn. They will, however, burn more slowly and extinguish more easily.

Keep Real Trees Well-Watered

Many households maintain the tradition of bringing home a real evergreen tree to decorate.  If you enjoy this experience, be sure that you supply your tree with adequate water.  Trees can lose a large amount of moisture in the warm, dry environment of your home.  Typically, trees can lose up to a gallon of water in the first day after cutting and up to a quart per day after that.  Trees that become dry are more susceptible to catching fire, and once a tree dries out, there is little you can do to re-hydrate it.

Keep Trees Away from Fireplaces or Space Heaters

Typically, houses are dry and cold during the Christmas season.  As you try to keep yourself and your guests warm, take care that your tree is not near an open flame or a heat source.  Trees which are too close could be bumped or tipped over into a fireplace or space heater, especially when your house is full, resulting in a fire.

Light Candles with Care

Candles are a traditional decoration at Christmas time.  However, the open flame makes them a danger.  Candles should be used with care and never near a tree, whether real or artificial.  Lighting candles should only be done in areas where they are not in danger of being knocked over or left to burn unattended.

Be Careful with Electric Lights

Electricity lights up our days, but it still needs to be respected.  Do not overload extension cords; three strings is the maximum per cord.  Also, refrain from stringing electric lights on metal trees, which can be an electrocution hazard.

Dispose of Trees Promptly and Properly

As the days of Christmas wind down, you may notice your tree looking less beautiful then the day you chopped it down.  Needles will inevitably start to turn brown and fall off the branches.  This is when you know that your tree is ready to come down.  Dropping needles alert you to the fact that your tree is dry and has become a greater fire hazard.  You should never try to burn your Christmas tree in your fireplace.

As you celebrate this special season, we want to remind you to be careful.  Pay attention to your surroundings, including the decorations that make your home merrier at this time of year.  All of us at Langenwalter wish you a happy and safe holiday season.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!