Preventing Tree Fires This Holiday Season

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of six deaths, 22 injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damage annually. Here are some tips to help prevent a fire in your home this holiday season:

• Choose a tree with fresh needles
• Cut 2" from the base of the trunk before placing
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from ANY heat source (fireplace, radiator, candles, heaters, lights, etc.).
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water DAILY
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Last but not least, dispose of your tree as soon as the holidays pass. It might be decorative and fun, but the longer a dry, dying tree sits in your house, the more likely your home is to experience and suffer a fire loss.

In the unfortunate instance that tragedy does strike this year, SERVPRO of Atlantic City/Hamilton/Hammonton provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your home. We understand the stress and worry that comes with emergency damage and the disruption it causes your life. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

Have Questions?  Call Us Today 609-965-0885.