As we approach Christmas and the holidays, we should remember to treat electricity with care. This is especially important at this time because we may drop our guard in the excitement of the moment. We decided to share the latest Christmas tree and light safety advice we found on the NFPA website.
About the National Fire Protection Association
The NFPA has grown into a global non-profit association since established in 1896. It has a noble mission to “help save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, and passion.”
We believe their Christmas tree light safety recommendations apply equally to battery Christmas lights, and those taking power from the home grid.
After all, it is possible to ignite a fire with a nine-volt battery when we know how …
Christmas trees are flammable, especially the young pine trees we traditionally use. You see, pine trees produce flammable resin. That said, if they are cut young and stand in water they can’t catch alight. However, if they dry out they can release enough energy to cause a room fire in the presence of a spark. For this reason, foresters do prescribed back burns in dry season.
Christmas Tree Light Safety Tips from the Association
Thus, the advice of the NFPA is: buy a fresh tree and keep it moist. Choose one with green needles that do not fall off when touched. Cut two inches off the base before standing it in a bucket of water. Make sure to keep the water topped up.
Ensure the tree is at least three feet away from any source of heat or fire, and not blocking any exit including a large window. The lights must have certification for indoor / outdoor use, and not have loose bulbs or damaged cords.
Think fire safe. Never use candles on a tree, and turn the Christmas lights off before retiring for the night or leaving home. Finally, take the tree to the recycling depot after the 12th Night of Christmas, or immediately the needles start turning brown. Christmas trees take three years to nurture and are a beauty to behold. Let’s keep it that way.
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Preview Image: Christmas Tree 1898
