Christmas trees are like snowflakes—no two are alike. Each family has their own unique ideas and traditions when it comes to tree trimmings. Some people adorn their tree with homemade ornaments and strings of popcorn and cranberries, while others use beautiful glass ornaments and garland. No matter how you choose to decorate your tree, it is important that your tree does not become a fire hazard.
The good news is that Christmas tree fires are not terribly common. However, when Christmas tree fires do occur, they can result in serious injuries and deaths. In January 2015, a massive fire in a Maryland home claimed the lives of six people. The cause of the fire was linked to the lights on the family’s 15-foot parched Christmas tree. The fire was so intense that the mansion was engulfed in a matter of minutes. Most people are not aware that a dry Christmas tree is more flammable than a newspaper.
How can you prevent your tree from ruining more than just Christmas? Follow these tips to keep your home and your family safe:
- Choose a tree that is fresh. When selecting a real Christmas tree, be sure to choose one that is fresh. A fresh tree will have green needles, not brown and will not lose many needles when shaken firmly. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, a fresh Christmas tree is less likely to catch fire.
- Water, water, water. To keep your tree from drying out, it is important to keep it watered at all times. Even a medium sized tree can take up a gallon of water a day.
- Keep your tree away from heat sources. Never place a tree next to a fireplace, radiator or heat vent. Always keep your tree at least three feet from a heat source.
- Check the lights. Before putting lights on your Christmas tree check the quality of the lights. Old lights with faulty wiring, broken bulbs or that in poor condition can cause a fire. It is also important not to string more than three sets of mini-string sets together. Lastly, check to make sure your lights are flame-retardant.
- Unplug the lights when you leave. Do not leave tree lights plugged in when you are not home or while everyone is asleep.
- Do not bring your tree into the New Year. After the holiday is over, people tend to delay taking down the tree. The tree sits and becomes neglected. After not being watered regularly, the tree dries out. That is why it is not surprising that so many tree fires tend to happen in Do your family a favor and toss the tree quickly after the holiday or as soon as you start to see the tree dropping needles—a sure sign that is dried out. A well-cared-for Christmas tree can expect to last four to six weeks at most.
If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury due to the negligence of another, it is important to know that you may have legal recourse. The attorneys at the Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims, in both Kansas and Missouri, obtain just compensation for their injuries. Our caring team of attorneys will take the time to listen to you and the facts of your case. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673. We look forward to helping you obtain the justice you deserve.
