Christmas Tree Fire Safety

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

It’s almost time to take down your live Christmas tree!  SERVPRO of Cecil County finds it just as hard to part with these festive trees, but we want to remind you that they can be a fire hazard if they are left up too long after the holiday season is over.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 1/3 of home fires in the United States that are caused by Christmas trees happen in the month of January, so it’s important to remove your tree before it dries out.  The drier your tree becomes, the more you will have a risk of a fire in your home.

Please dispose of your tree promptly after the holidays.  The NFPA recommends using your community’s recycling program, rather than simply placing them outside.

To limit the risk of a fire even further, do not unplug the light cords from an electrical outlet by pulling the cord.  This can damage the cord and increase the risk of an electrical fire.  When packing up lights, inspect them for any damages.  Wrap each set of lights separately and store them in a dry place where they will not be damaged by water.

At SERVPRO of Cecil County, we understand how unexpectedly a fire can occur, and we are always here to help. We hope everyone stays safe during this holiday season.