Based on the four-year period of 2005-09, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Christmas tree fires caused an average of 13 deaths, 27 injuries and $16.7 million in direct property damage annually, according to the RFD release.
“In past years, one of the leading causes of fires during this time of year has been Christmas trees that have not been maintained properly,” Petty said.
Proper care includes keeping the tree properly watered and choosing a tree that is not dry or loosing needles.
“If the needles are falling out, it’s too dry. And you really shouldn’t keep a tree up for more than two weeks. And when you’re done with it, take it down. You don’t want to leave it up too long,” Petty said.
Petty also strongly recommends keeping open flames away from Christmas trees and displaying the tree at least three feet from a heat source.
“Candles and Christmas trees do not mix,” Petty said. “If you have to use candles during the holidays they should be separated from Christmas decorations.”
Petty said unplugging Christmas lights — both inside on the tree and outside — at bedtime or when leaving the house is a wise practice.
“We recommend you don’t leave the Christmas lights on when you go to bed. It’s a good idea to go ahead and shut them off. Those lights aren’t designed to be left unattended,” Petty said.
Petty said the holidays is the ideal time to check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, which are recommended for homes with gas appliances.
“This is a great time to check your smoke detector,” Petty said. “Make sure you have one on every floor of your home and make sure they’re working. That’s really your best defense against fire. We love smoke detectors.”
Other decoration-specific tips the RFD advised to remember include:
• When decorating your tree, always use lights listed by a testing laboratory. Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use tree lights. Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used. Connect no more than three strands of push-in bulbs and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Place your tree in a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• Keep a watchful eye on children when around the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights. Store matches and lighters up high, out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.
• Consider using battery-operated flameless candles which can look, smell and feel like real candles, in lieu of traditional candles.
• Use sturdy, safe candleholders.
• Protect candle flames with glass chimneys or containers.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Put candles out when you leave a room.
• Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
• Keep children and pets away from burning candles.
• Be careful not to splatter wax when putting out a candle.
• Never use a candle when oxygen is present.
• Always use a flashlight, not a candle, for emergency lighting.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.