For those who are putting their Christmas tree up at the last minute, make sure it’s not near this one hazard so that your festive period runs without a hitch.
The fireservice has issued an urgent warning to those with a Christmas tree in their home as putting it in the wrong place can be a fire hazard.
The advice says: “Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.” This is due to the excess warmth drying out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited.
To ensure that it stays hydrated and less likely to catch alight, keep the tree filled with water at all times.
For those who smoke, the guidance also warns people to not drop or flick cigarette ash near it.
When selecting a conifer, if opting for a real tree, make sure the needles are green and hard to pull back from the branches – this tests to see if the plant is dehydrated or not before purchasing.
Disposing of the Christmas staple correctly is imperative too. The Christmas Safety Advice says to “never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove”. Instead, take it to a recycling centre, or have it taken away by community pick up staff.
After putting the tree up, choosing which ornaments to hang comes with warnings too. Brits are advised to check and see what material they are made from, as decorations made from light tissue paper or cardboard can burn easily, according to the fireservice.
These two types of decorations should not be attached to lights or heaters at the risk of them catching on fire. The warning also includes keeping these materials away from fireplaces and candles to prevent any fires.
In the event that your decorations do catch on fire, the most highly recommended solution by the service is to use an extinguisher – they suggest the UltraFire Water Mist option.
Not only are baubles a danger at Christmas, but the fireservice warn over the use of fairylights too. Households are urged to check the fuses are the correct type, as well as keeping the bulbs away from anything that can burn easily, like paper.
When going to sleep at night, or leaving the house, it is recommended to turn the lights off. Replacing the bulbs if they blow, as well as not overloading sockets are two other tips on the list to keeping safe this festive period.
