How do I make sure my Christmas tree doesn't catch on fire?

Avoid a tragedy this holiday season: Seven tips for preventing a Christmas tree-related fire
  1. Pick a fresh-looking tree. ...
  2. Keep the tree watered. ...
  3. Keep tree away from heat. ...
  4. Shake the tree. ...
  5. Check the tree's lights. ...
  6. Turn off your tree's lights. ...
  7. Get rid of your tree soon after the holidays.


How likely is a Christmas tree to catch on fire?

While Christmas tree fires aren't common, they can cause serious and sometimes deadly damage. The National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 160 home fires are caused by Christmas trees per year.

What causes most Christmas tree fires?

Keep candles away from the tree.

In a quarter of Christmas tree fires reported by the National Fire Protection Association, a candle or other heat source was too close to the tree and caused the fire.


How long does it take for a Christmas tree to catch fire?

(WVLT) - How long does it take for a dry Christmas tree to catch fire? “In this video we see, when introduced to a small heat source, it takes less than one minute for the tree, and everything around it to by engulfed by flames,” a spokesperson for the department said.

Do Christmas lights get hot enough to start a fire?

Christmas lights can get hot enough to start a fire if they aren't installed correctly or used in an enclosed space. If you have a strand of lights that have been tangled or damaged in some way, that will cause problems. If your house has been wired incorrectly, there will be issues.


Christmas Tree Fire Turns Devastating and Deadly Within Seconds



Is it safe to leave Christmas tree on at night?

In short, no. You should never leave your Christmas tree on overnight, or when you're not at home. The National Fire Protection Association has a bounty of information and statistics about holiday decorations and fire hazards, because, well, Christmas tree-related fires are so relatively common and so preventible.

Can prelit Christmas trees catch fire?

While personal preference is a primary factor for choosing a type of holiday tree, recent research by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) shows that a pre-lit artificial tree can be as much of a fire hazard as a dry natural tree.

Is it safe to put lights on a real Christmas tree?

Make sure you're using lights specifically designed for outdoor use. Outdoor lights are made to hold up in cold or wet conditions, while indoor lights can burn or damage your live trees. Make sure you're also using weatherproof extension cords and lightboxes for safety.


How long can I leave my Christmas tree up?

According to experts, Christmas trees can stay fresh for five weeks or more when given proper care. Chances are your spruce is still in good condition, so long as you've periodically trimmed the trunk and kept it well watered.

What sets Christmas trees on fire?

Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two out of five home Christmas tree fires (44 percent). This equipment included lamps, bulbs or lighting (19 percent), wiring or related equipment (19 percent), and cords or plugs (6 percent).

Should you leave Christmas lights all night?

If Christmas lights are left on for too long, they can get hot and become a fire hazard. For this reason, turn your lights off when you go to sleep or leave your home, says Sharon Cooksey, fire safety educator at Kidde.


Should you unplug Christmas tree lights at night?

While it might seem like a festive treat for the neighbors, it could lead to problems for your home and electricity over time. Before leaving lights on, check the label to determine whether the bulbs and wattage can handle a long night of illumination. Generally, we recommend turning them off before bed.

Where should you not put a Christmas tree?

DON'TS:
  1. LIGHT SWITCHES. If possible, avoid placing trees near light switches since people might accidentally dislodge the decorations when they switch the lights on and off.
  2. BLOCK ENTRYWAYS OR CLOSETS. Avoid placing your Christmas tree in areas where they could be blocking entryways or closets. ...
  3. ON TOP OR UNDER A VENT.


Do Christmas trees catch fire with LED lights?

Even LED lights can overheat, and with a combination of a dry Christmas tree, could cause a fire. Make it a habit to turn off your Christmas lights every time you leave the house or go to bed at night.


Do LED lights cause Christmas tree fires?

When these blazing bulbs maintained contact with a dried-out fir tree, it's easy to see how Christmas tree fires began. Fortunately, because they are cool to the touch and simply dim over time, LED lights do not present these hazards.

Can I sleep with my Christmas tree plugged in?

Whether real or artificial, having a Christmas tree too close to a heat source or plugged into faulty electrical outlets can cause scary consequences. Electrical Safety Foundation International recommends never leaving the house or going to sleep with Christmas lights on.

Can I leave my Christmas tree for a week?

It is recommended that homeowners dispose of a live tree shortly after the holidays, before it gets too dry, and turn off Christmas tree lights at night or when leaving the home.


Can you put too many lights on a Christmas tree?

Don't overcrowd your Christmas tree with too many lights. It is not good for the tree and doesn't improve the look. Sometimes – fewer can be much better.

How long can you leave Christmas lights on?

You can take them down anytime after New Year's Day, but before January 6th—that's Three Kings Day and the last of the 12 days of Christmas. Even if your lights celebrate a different faith this holiday season, the Black-Friday-to-Three-Kings-Day window is still a great guideline. Be aware of your neighbors' floor plan.

Should I hose down my Christmas tree?

Hose off the tree to remove pollen and mold. Let it dry before bringing it inside. Wear gloves and long sleeves when transporting the tree to avoid allergens touching skin. Wipe down the trunk of the tree with a solution of one-part bleach, 20 parts lukewarm water.


How long should Christmas tree sit before putting on lights?

Most real trees will settle and open up over a couple of hours, so you should wait to start hanging lights and ornaments. You can also make some DIY Christmas decorations to make your home stand out.

When putting Christmas lights on a tree Do you start at the top or bottom?

Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches. Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well. When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tree.

How often should you replace your Christmas lights?

Holiday lights, like a lot of things in your home, require maintenance and regular replacement. Do you know the life span of your lights? Incandescent bulbs should be replaced every 4-6 years. LED lights last a bit longer, for 7-10 years.


Do Christmas lights increase electric bill?

If Christmas enthusiasts light their decorations from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, here's how much your bill could jump per month, according to a Southern California Edison spokesperson: Average decorations with LED lights: $5 to $7 increase.