Christmas is a wonderful time for bonding and fun, and no holiday would be complete without buying a Christmas tree for the home. However, if you have kids in the house, you have got to be very careful when placing the tree in your house. This is to prevent accidents, especially fires.
Tree Safety Tips to Keep in Mind
Here are some safety tips parents can implement so that Christmas does not turn into a disastrous affair:
When choosing the tree for your home, be sure that the tree has been recently cut, and that the leaves contain enough moisture to signify its freshness. This is because dry trees catch fire more easily than well-maintained, well-watered trees.
Do not put up the tree too early or keep it up for prolonged periods of time after Christmas. A maximum of two weeks is recommended for keeping the tree in your home.
Make sure that there is water filling the tree stand at all times to keep the tree fresh.
Be careful about where you position the tree. Keep it away from heat sources such as centralized heaters, radiators, fireplaces, and so on.
If the tree is to be placed near lights or power sockets, be sure to inspect these lights and sockets from time to time to make sure there are no short circuits that may cause a fire.
Once you set up the tree, give it a couple of shakes to ensure it is sturdy and not easily toppled over by kids who love to run around.
Do not light, or flick ash from, cigarettes or cigars near the Christmas tree, as this is a potential fire hazard.
Make sure a fire extinguisher is near the tree at all times, and install a fire alarm in the house. However, place the fire extinguisher in a place not easily accessible by curious children.
When leaving the house or going to bed, plug out the connections of Christmas lights on and around the tree. Also, try your best to turn off all electrical appliances and lights near the tree as well.
Making your home safe is crucial in ensuring you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas untarnished by unpleasant experiences. Let the Christmas tree be a symbol of joy for your kids and not a trigger for bad memories in the future. Stay safe and happy holidays!