The busy holiday season has you up to your ears in shopping, baking, and decorating, so taking extra time out to ensure your safety may seem daunting.
However, taking a few basic steps can make the difference between a happy holiday and a regrettable disaster.
Here are some tips that will keep you and your family safe this Christmas:
Christmas tree fires: how fast do they spread?
Dry Christmas trees can be consumed by flames in under ten seconds, according to scientific testing. After a tree is ignited–particularly when it is not watered, the “flashover” occurs in about 70 seconds.
By contrast, trees that have been well-watered are less likely to allow flames to spread.
Is it safer to buy artificial Christmas trees over real ones?
The chances of a real Christmas tree catching fire are three times greater than that of an artificial tree. That is not to say, however, that artificial Christmas trees cannot catch fire.
It is still important to be careful not to place a fake tree too close to a heat source and to make sure it is properly lit, following all the manufacturer’s warnings. When shopping for an artificial tree, make sure your choice is flame-resistant.
Are indoor Christmas tree lights suitable for outdoor use?
You probably already know this is bad, right? But then, you may not know why. For clarity, this relates to whether the lights in question can deal with wet or damp conditions. Have they been rated and tested for such purposes?
Well, it’s likely that the lights won’t work after heavy rain or snow if they aren’t sealed against moisture.
Moreover, non-corrosion-resistant lights pose a hazard for electrocution due to the insulation degrading and exposing electrical connections. Basically, outdoor lights may be used within the home, but indoor lights shouldn’t be used outside.