(Modern Survival.org) – The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and giving thanks for the blessings of life. Unfortunately, for many people each year, the holidays end in disaster. The culprit? The very Christmas tree that was supposed to bring joy to the season.
A live Christmas tree that has dried out can ignite and burn in a matter of seconds — and take the rest of the house with it. The following video from Today explains how Christmas trees can be dangerous, and what steps can be taken to avoid seeing the holiday go up in flames:
To avoid a house fire this holiday season, adhere to the following safety guidelines for your live Christmas tree:
- Keep real trees watered. A well-watered Christmas tree takes nearly twice as long to ignite as a dry tree, and burns much slower. Water the tree once a day, or at least once every other day.
- Don’t use a fire extinguisher. When a Christmas tree goes up in flames, it only takes a matter of seconds for the fire to spread throughout the room. Don’t take the time to use a fire extinguisher. Instead, get out of the house with your family and call 9-1-1.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources. When choosing the location of the Christmas tree, avoid placing it near appliances that produce heat, such as heater vents or fireplaces.
- Inspect the lights. Broken bulbs, frayed wires, and loose connections can lead to electrical fires, taking the tree — and potentially the house — with it.
The holidays should be a wonderful time, spent with family and friends. Ensure the season stays joyful by implementing these simple safety tips.
Should you face a fire this season, it’s vital to know the steps that will keep your family safe. For tips on how to survive a house fire, check out our article here.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
Copyright 2022, ModernSurvival.org
