The light posts are decorated, the coffee shops have broken out the peppermint syrup and the Christmas tree lots are out — the holiday season is in full swing. If you're planning on putting up a real pine in your home (be sure to check with your apartment building's rules on this first), here's what you need to know to make sure that it's a safe season.
The U.S. Fire Administration website notes that one out of every three Christmas tree fires is caused by an electrical problem and tree fires — when they occur — are more likely to be serious, with one out of every 40 Christmas tree fire in a home resulting in death, compared to one in every 142 "normal" home fires. A heat source being too close to the tree causes one in six Christmas tree fires.
Apartment Therapy advises that you keep your tree stand filled with water at all times, discarding your tree immediately if it becomes dry. You should also be sure that your tree is still fresh, which you can tell by bouncing the tree on the ground. If a lot of needles fall out, the tree is probably dried out.
You should also be sure to keep your tree far away from heating sources, such as fireplaces and heating vents, Apartment Therapy states. Also, of course, don't drop or flick cigarette ashes near the tree, and avoid having open flames near the tree.
Need tips for making your Christmas tree the best one ever? Check out these tips from Equinox.
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