400 house fires each year…From Christmas Trees?
It’s true. Shockingly dangerous, Christmas trees account for nearly 400 residential fires annually. The National Institute of Standards and Technology reported that indoor Christmas tree fires last holiday season resulted in 10 deaths, 80 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage. Don’t be a statistic! Please, this holiday season…MAKE SURE YOU GET THOSE TREES OUT OF YOUR HOME BEFORE THEY DRY OUT!! The video above is scary and true; the NIST shows how quickly a dry Christmas tree engulfs an entire house into flames. These fires can be devastating and deadly. At Paradiso Insurance, we’re asking our CT customers to please make sure that you are being safe with your tree this holiday season.
Here are some tips to prevent Christmas tree fires:
- Be sure to use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights for the exterior of your home.
- Check ALL lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or any loose connections. Replace, or better yet, RETURN any damages you can see.
- Use only UL approved electrical lights, decoration, and extension cords.
- Do not block a room exit with the Christmas tree.
- ALWAYS turn decorations off when you leave the house or will be out of the room for an extended period of time.
- Turn off ALL lights and decorations when you go to bed.
- Select a fresh tree and care for it properly; be sure to make a clean cut across the tree’s base and immediately place in water.
- Keep your tree hydrated! Dry trees are at a higher risk for fires. Make sure to check the water levels on your tree daily.
Homeowner’s insurance is crucial; make sure you have the right coverage this holiday season. In the event of a disaster such as this, are you covered?
From our family to yours, be safe this holiday season!
-Paradiso Insurance of Stafford Springs, CT
