A Safe Christmas Tree NMWG Safety Briefing Capt. Eran East Maj. John Graham 1 Approximately 400 fires occur annually involving trees. Fires result in 10 million in property loss Nearly one of every three home Christmas tree fires are
"A Safe Christmas Tree NMWG Safety Briefing Capt." is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to
download and print the materials on this website for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it
on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright
notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this
agreement.
Presentation Transcript
01
A Safe Christmas Tree NMWG Safety Briefing Capt. Eran East Maj. John Graham 1<br>
02
Approximately 400 fires occur annually involving trees.
Fires result in $10 million in property loss
Nearly one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
Short-circuiting tree lights are cited as the leading cause
A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of the fires.
Minimize extension cord use.
Use power strips with circuit breakers
Don’t run cords under rugs. 2 What’s the Problem? Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.<br>
03
Picking the Tree Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Consider spray-on fire retardant
Artificial trees have flame retardant but it wears off over time.
Average lifetime is 6 years, but check
Make sure tree is well secured to your vehicle when taking it home. 3 Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.<br>
04
Placing the Tree Before placing the tree in the stand, cut two inches from the base of the trunk.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, lighting.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand. Check water daily. 4 Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures. What's wrong with this picture?<br>
05
5 Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.<br>
06
Use lights listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
Use pet- and child-safe ornaments.
Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. 6 Decorating Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.<br>
07
Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
Find a recycling program (Santa Fe County: drop off at Franklin Miles Park or Buckman Road Recycling Station)
Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Old or broken lights can be recycled at any SF County transfer station 7 After Christmas Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.<br>
08
“Christmas tree fires can ruin holiday celebrations” article from the Air Force Safety Center: https://www.safety.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2865826/christmas-tree-fires-can-ruin-holiday-celebrations/
National Fire Prevention Association: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays
ehso.com (tree recycling)
firesystems.net 8 References Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.<br>
