What Do I Need To Know About Christmas Tree Safety?

The holiday season has arrived, and with it, Christmas tree season! Millions of people across the world have purchased and installed a Christmas tree in their homes. While Christmas trees can be festive, they also bring with them their own set of complications. Today we’ll look at the important elements of Christmas tree safety.

Transportation

Many injuries related to Christmas trees actually occur during transit. It’s imperative that you take the time to transport your tree properly. That means securing it to the roof of your car correctly or utilizing a truck.

It’s usually a good idea to cover the tree in netting before attaching it to your car to prevent loose branches from snapping off. If you are attaching the tree to the roof of your vehicle, always mount the tree with the top facing towards the back. This is the best position to cut down on wind resistance.

Lastly, go slow! The faster you drive, the more likely the tree is to come loose. Take your time and avoid highways if at all possible. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for any low clearance warnings!

Fire

Fire is the most obvious (and common) problem associated with Christmas trees. The best way to avoid a fire is to forgo the living tree and transition to an artificial tree that has been treated with a fire retardant.

Many still enjoy the smell and tradition of a living tree. While a living tree will never be as fire-resistant as an artificial one, you can still mitigate the risk. The best way to do so is to keep the tree from drying out but ensure it always has enough water. A dry tree is the most common culprit behind tree fires. It’s also important to turn off any Christmas lights you may have decorated the tree with before bed. Otherwise, the lightbulbs can heat up and cause a fire.

Related Reading: Ways To Reduce Winter Property Damage

Falling

Christmas tree owners who also have young children or pets also need to be aware of the very real danger that a falling tree poses. Depending on the size of your Christmas tree, that’s a lot of weight that can unexpectedly come crashing down.

Anyone can easily do a few things to prevent their tree from falling. The most important thing is always to use a tree stand that actually screws into the wood of the tree you’re mounting. It’s also important to never mount a dry tree but to always mount it in water. It’s also imperative to never decorate the tree right after you mount it. Most people advise a full day to settle the tree after you’ve mounted it in your home.

Christmas trees are a time-honored tradition and can really bring the holiday spirit into the home. However, bringing wildlife indoors always comes with risks. That’s why it’s so important to follow these simple steps to make sure you can enjoy your Christmas tree without any accidents.

Get Protected With TGS Insurance!

Of course, accidents do happen, and Christmas tree safety is necessary. That’s why it’s so important to have the proper insurance policies in place. To learn more about what policies are available to you, talk to the TGS Insurance staff!