Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For most families, the Christmas tree is the focal point for all of their holiday gatherings. Just sitting there at night looking at all the twinkling lights is a special treat. Who could imagine that such a beautiful tree could pose so many safety hazard for the unsuspecting child? Christmas tree safety is a vital consideration.
Everyone loves the smell of a fresh, live Christmas tree. That wonderful pine scent is one that most of us remember from our childhoods. What we don't remember is what a fire hazard the trees become when they dry out. Christmas lights can become hot, the tree has become dry and it is a lethal combination.
What could be worse than losing all your Christmas gifts, your home and even your lives? Every year Christmas trees cause over 200 fires around the country according to the United States Fire Administration and these fires cause on average 13 deaths and 16 million dollars in property damage. This is a large problem that need to be considered seriously.
Whether you are using a fresh tree or an artificial tree make sure that the lights that you use have been approved by one of the testing laboratories. Never use any set that has a frayed or cracked cord or a loose light fixture. Never connect more than three strings of lights to each other. Use extension cords that are heavy duty. All these things will help prevent Christmas tree fires.
Always remember that Christmas trees are flammable. Never put a space heater or any source of heat close to the tree. By the same token don't place the tree near a fireplace or a stove. Always make sure that you have an operating fire detector in the same room as your Christmas tree and a fire extinguisher.
When it comes to decorations for your tree make sure that all the ones that you use are unbreakable. Children, being children will play around the tree. It is inevitable that an ornament will fall off the tree. Fragile ones can break and children are apt to try to hide the broken ornament by picking up the pieces and cutting themselves in the bargain. Using ones that won't break will make for a happier holidays for everyone.
Be very careful that no ornaments have small pieces that a baby or toddler can but in their mouth and choke on. The use of artificial or real popcorn or cranberry garlands is not recommended if you have small children. They offer too much temptation to put what looks like food into their mouths.
Know what decorations are on your ornaments. Babies and small children love to put things in their mouths and poisoning is always a concern, especially if the ornaments were painted in China where lead paint is still used.
If you have small children or pets, place a fence around your Christmas tree. It protects the tree, the gifts and most of all our precious children.
Everyone wants to enjoy their beautiful Christmas tree and decorations. Follow all possible safety precautions and let your children enjoy a safe and happy Christmas knowing that you have made it safe for them.
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