Mary Alice Reporting –
Many folks have or will decorate to create holiday cheer but fire officials say simple steps can eliminate fire hazards.
The biggest things to go up in the home is Christmas trees, artificial or real, and both can create a risk for a potential blaze as, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 1 out of 3 home tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
LED lights are the best option to reduce the generated heat on a tree says NFPA Director of Public Education Andrea Vastis.
“In a four year period, from 2014 to 2018, we had 160 Christmas tree fires. They are incredibly serious. Causing two deaths, in that period of time, 14 injuries, and $10 million in property damage.”
When it comes to the evergreen inside the home, the single most important thing to do is consistently keep the real tree hydrated.
“This is one of those things that you need to designate someone in the house to make sure they are watering the tree every day, checking the tree to make sure that the needles aren’t getting dried out because as soon as that tree is no longer green and supple and drinking water, it is time to move it on.”
Other safety tips include throwing away any light strands that have frayed or pinched wires and to turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the home.
When it comes to extension cords, folks are reminded to not overload the power strips and to ensure, for outside decorations, the cords are intended for that environment.
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