Each year, as the occasion of Christmas draws nearer, our excitement knows no bounds. Even though it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities, it’s important to understand that Christmas is also a time when accidents and mishaps can occur. Multiple cases of fires linked to Christmas trees are reported each year. Between the years 2014 to 2018, an average of 160 home fire cases were filed per year to the U.S. fire departments, all of which involved a common culprit - Christmas trees. So before you leave out milk and cookies for Santa, make sure you have taken the necessary precautions needed to avoid fire hazards this Christmas. Here are some easy preventive measures that you can take without having to pass a fire safety course.

Choose a Fresh Christmas Tree

Old and dried up Christmas trees tend to catch fire more easily than fresh ones, so it is better to pick a tree that is fresh even if it costs a little more. Vivid green needles are indicators that the tree is fresh. Also make sure to water the tree to prevent it from drying up.

Keep the Tree Away from Heat Sources

Christmas trees are highly combustible; they will burn without a moment's hesitation. Even a few embers are enough to get it going, which is why you need to place the tree away from any heat source. This includes fireplaces, candles and also filament bulbs. People often tend to overlook filament bulbs as a heat source, but these bulbs produce immense heat when they're switched on, making them more of a heat source than a light source.

Use Lights That Are Safe

The Christmas lights that you use can also pose the danger of fire, therefore make sure that the indoor and outdoor lighting you're using is safe. Only use lights that are tested by the Electrical Testing Laboratories.

Keep Candles Far Away

Candles can be thought of as fire that you can carry, so make sure to carry it away from Christmas trees, furniture or any other combustible materials.

Turn Off Lights at Bedtime

Electrical lights used during Christmas can be old, and have worn-out insulation which means there are increased chances of a short circuit, which could start a fire. Make a habit to switch off the lights when going to sleep so that the chances of an electrical fire starting when everyone is asleep are zero. Since we're on the topic of lights, try to use newer lights or at least get the wiring checked to make sure it is not frayed

Stay Safe This Christmas

Keep your family out of harm's way during the Christmas holidays. Following these fire safety tips should be enough for you to avoid any fire hazards this Christmas. In case a fire does break out, try to cut the power to the lights and use a fire extinguisher. Do not use water without knowing the cause of the fire. In case of an electrical fire, water will only worsen the situation. To restore your house in the wake of a fire, call STOP Restoration of Spokane at 509-818-7744 for the best fire restoration services. With years of experience, they will make sure your home is good as new. For more details, click here.