December 9, 2008 - To reduce the chance of a holiday tragedy, the Bureau of Fire Services is urging consumers to thoroughly water their Christmas tree daily.
If a tree has already become too dry, State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr says to remove the tree from the home.
"When a Christmas tree catches fire there are literally only seconds to escape safely," said Farr. "Removing a dry tree and subsequently the chance for a deadly fire to occur is easier to live with than the consequences such as the loss of your home, or even worse, family members. A Christmas tree is replaceable - but your loved ones are not, so don't take the risks."
Each year, more than 200 fires are caused by Christmas trees resulting in six deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage. Farr said shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires.
The Bureau of Fire Services asks consumers to follow these important guidelines for holiday tree safety:
- When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
- When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
- When setting up a tree at home cut one or two inches off the bottom and place the tree in water as soon as possible. Keep the stand filled water because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly.
- When choosing a spot in your home to place your Christmas tree make sure it does not block an exit that may be needed in an emergency.
- Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other sources of heat. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
- Christmas trees should be checked daily and at the first sign of dryness be removed from the home. The drier the tree, the greater the fire hazard.
- Position the tree solidly in the tree stand. If the tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws.
- Place the tree near an electrical outlet if possible so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place rugs over cords to disguise them; this can become an increased fire hazard.
- Don't use any strings of lights that are frayed or broken.
- Don't leave lit trees unattended. Unplug all lights on the Christmas tree before leaving home or going to bed.
- Watch small children closely when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.
- When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in the house or garage.
To see a video of how a holiday tree fire can spread in a matter of seconds, click on this link from the National Institute of Standards and Technology: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/treefire.shtm
Read more releases from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
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