This time of year brings happiness, joy, and excitement. The smell of scented candles and Christmas trees all contribute to a happy and joyous Christmas. While beautiful, they can also be very dangerous. It will be without fail that someone’s house will burn or someone will be seriously injured or killed from a Christmas tree fire, burning candle, or other types of fires related to Christmas. The following are several ways you can make sure your home is safe this holiday season.

Trees

Even if your Christmas tree is artificial, it is not immune to burning. It may burn a lot slower, but eventually the tree will be consumed by fire.

Check live trees for freshness. You can do this by checking the flexibility of the needles and tapping the trunk on the ground. If it drops a lot of needles, it is already beginning to dry out. Keep your live tree watered and when the needles begin to fall, it is time to take the tree out of the house. A live tree that has dried out will ignite in a matter of seconds. Therefore, make sure your tree is away from all heat sources and out of walkways in your home.

Decorations and Lights

Homeowners need to be very careful and only decorate the tree and house with flame-resistant decorations. While the use of tinsel is very attractive, avoid using tinsel around small children and pets. Both can be attracted to shiny lights and may ingest it. A thorough inspection of lights for broken cords and other problems needs to be made before putting them on trees and other areas of the house or yard.

Candles

As I mentioned in my intro, it is very important that you watch candles very close. Never leave lighted candles unattended and keep them out of reach of children. Never use lit candles on your tree. Believe it or not, I have heard stories of people using lit candles on their Christmas tree!

Fireplace

Fireplaces are commonly used this time of year. Many times people will use fireplaces just to add atmosphere to their living area. If you plan to use the fireplace, having a professional come and clean the chimney may not be a bad idea. Always use a screen in front of a burning fire, and do not burn wrapping paper or tree branches. Christmas tree debris can be very flammable and produce way more fire than you ever dreamed of.

Gift Ideas Have you ever had trouble trying to figure out what to buy a friend or loved one? While smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, flashlights, and carbon monoxide detectors may not be first on the list to purchase for gifts, these will save property and lives. They make great stocking stuffers.

These are just a few safety ideas that if followed will allow you and your family to have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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