If you have a fresh cut tree just because the Christmas holiday is over doesn’t mean that you should stop maintaining it. If you choose to leave your tree up until the New Year you need to keep watering it frequently to reduce the chance that its needles will dry our and pose a fire hazard.
A Christmas tree fire isn’t a frequent occurrence, but when it does occur, it is more deadly than a typical house fire. According to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) one of every 18 Christmas tree fires causes a fatality for the fire spreads well beyond the room where the fire begins 33 percent of the time. The tree provides an unusually large amount of fuel making the fire increase in seconds therefore leaving very little time for the occupants to get out of the house. This is especially true if the fire occurs when they are sleeping.
The NFPA recommends:
- Do not put a tree near a heat source (radiator, fireplace or heater).
- Keeping trees well-watered.
- Turning off tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
- Replacing lights that have worn cords or loose bulb connections.
- Getting rid of trees when they are dry.
- To test tree for dryness, shake the tree from its trunk and if a good amount of needles fall, it is too dry to keep and can be a potential fire hazard.
Did you know that if you water a tree that it is practically impossible to ignite? Check out the following video from NFPA that demonstrates a dried out tree and a regularly watered one, how they ignite.
Please note: Take this opportunity to review your homeowners insurance to make sure you have the proper replacement cost and contents coverage in the event of a house fire.
Here at Donald J. Medeiros Insurance Agency our goal is to try to help our viewers by suggesting solutions for all insurance needs. By no means can we address each reader’s specific concerns in every incident. So, we strongly advise to check with an insurance representative to address your specific needs. However, you can also contact us for any questions or concerns and we will be happy to help you. We can offer coverage for both Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities.
Come visit us at www.donmedeirosinsurance.com or give us a call at 508-678-1271. We look forward to hearing from you! If you have a Facebook account, fan us at http://www.facebook.com/donmedeiros.