Because Artificial Christmas Trees Represent Happiness, Not Losses
When we think of Christmas trees, the first image that comes to mind are green trees
with an abundance of ornaments including multicoloured lights, figures and balls, among others. The image speaks of happiness, of joy and of excitement for the Christian holiday, not an image of sadness, of losses and of dread. Unfortunately, Christmas trees can be the source of the above mentioned negative emotions.
Scary Statistics:
How is this possible? Christmas trees can be the source of a fiery conflagration that can destroy homes and take human lives. Although fires from Christmas trees are not common, these are more likely to have serious consequences with at least 1 in every 21 fires resulting in death. The injuries that result from such fires cannot be dismissed either since third-degree burns are no laughing matter.
Aside from the lives lost, the property damage can be substantial, too. Christmas tree fires can burn down entire homes with millions of pounds in damages. Even a small fire in the living room can quickly spread to other parts of the house.
The possibility for conflagration is almost equal for both real and artificial Christmas trees.
Think of it: Real trees are made of flammable wood while synthetic trees are made from flammable materials like PVC, too. Of course, modern synthetic trees are made from fireproof materials but the risks for fire with inappropriate use are still present.
Safety Measures:
Lest you start thinking about doing away with Christmas trees to lessen the possibility for fires in the home, don't be. You can adopt many safety measures to significantly lessen the risks for fire and, thus, make the holidays a happy occasion from start to finish.
The most important safety measures are as follows:
- Choose an artificial Christmas tree that has been tested and labelled as fireproof or fire-resistant. If the tree has a built-in electrical system for the lights, check for the appropriate quality control label specifically the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label.
- Place the Christmas tree away from heat sources including radiators, fireplaces and stoves. You cannot expect even the most fireproof artificial Christmas trees to withstand the heat from these sources.
- Use indoor lights if the tree will be placed indoor and outdoor lights for a tree placed outdoors. Again, look for the UL label. Be sure to check that the lights have no frayed or bare wires, broken or cracked sockets, and loose connections before stringing around the tree.
When in doubt about an old set of lights, just buy a new set - it will be less costly in terms of property and lives saved.
- Limit the number of Christmas lights sets plugged into a single extension cords to just 3 sets. Don't overload the system. Don't also place the extension cords against the wall and under the rugs.
- Never use lighted candles and other sources of open flame on the synthetic Christmas tree, ever. Don't invite trouble where there is none.
It is not just in setting up the Christmas tree that you must be careful. You should also be careful about turning off the lights on the trees whenever you leave the house or you go to sleep. In the end, the sense of happiness derived from the sight of fully-decorated artificial Christmas trees also come from knowing that these have been set up with safety in mind.
by: Lawrence White
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