Water Your Christmas Tree!
Be Careful!
“Keep Your Tree Watered!”
Many Americans still choose to purchase natural trees (over their metal and plastic counterparts) to celebrate the Christmas holiday. If properly watered your natural tree will permeate an intoxicating aroma of warmth and comfort throughout the house. Spreading Christmas for all who see and smell it. However, if not properly watered your natural tree turns in a kindle box, ignitable with a warm breath (mild exaggeration).
According to the United States Fire Administration Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage.
The US Fire Administration warns that dry and neglected trees are easily ignited by electrical shorts and open flames from candles, lighters or matches.
The video clip below from the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology illustrates what happens when fire touches a dry tree.
Please remember, I write this not to scare people out of buying a natural Christmas tree (If I felt like dealing with the mess I would prefer a natural tree). I just feel people need to be warned of the potential dangers associated without improper maintenance. Understanding risk is the first step to preventing a loss. No one wants their house to start on fire because they forgot to water the Christmas tree…
So if you purchase a natural tree this holiday season, Keep It Wet, Water Often!
Thank you and Happy Holidays,
Ryan H.
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