Holiday Tree Safety (Guest Blogger)

I'm excited to present another guest blogger who not only wants you to have a very blessed and enjoyable holiday season, but also wants you and yours to have a safe holiday, too! Thank you, Andrea, for your contribution to Mommy Rantings this holiday season!

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Holiday Tree Safety

The holidays are a magical time of year, especially for children. Decorating a Christmas tree is an important tradition for many families, but during the excitement concerns for safety can often be brushed aside.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that between 2003-2006, U.S. fire departments responded on average to 240 home fires caused by Christmas trees each year. In addition to causing approximately $13.1 million in property damage annually, one of every 15 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.

Along with fire concerns, there are other hazards that come along having a tree in the home. Seasonal Concepts has put together Ten Christmas Tree Safety Tips to remind families of the importance of danger prevention for a happy holiday season.

1. The safest home holiday investment? A flame-retardant artificial tree. It only takes a one little spark to ignite a real tree and destroy a family’s holiday and home.
2. Place holiday decorations at least three feet away from any type of open flame.
3. Real trees tend to drag in dirt and allergens. Parents of young children are oftentimes unaware of these tree-related allergies until the live tree is already in the home. Artificial trees are allergy-free so your little ones can enjoy the holidays without the sniffles.
4. A pre-lit tree saves more than time by helping to prevent accidents caused by extension cords and live electric circuits.
5. If celebrating the holidays with children under the age of 4 and/or pets, consider an artificial tree. Live trees shed needles, which can be painful for crawling children or harmful if swallowed by pets.
6. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Artificial trees eliminate the need to bring water near electrical holiday lights.
7. Consider the weight of the tree when making a purchase. A lightweight tree is safer in case of a fall and easy to move from room to room.
8. Provide a solid foundation for your holiday tree by placing it on a flat, level surface.
9. Place your tree in the appropriate sized stand. An artificial tree comes secured molded into a stand, and is a safer option when considering a large tree.
10. Do not hesitate to seek safety advice from your local fire department. When it comes to holiday safety, prevention is key.

 

Andrea Wolk is a designer by passion and degree. In 1998, Andrea joined Seasonal Home Concepts where she is currently the Brand Manager for Christmas and home décor. Specializing in trend identification, she is responsible for seasonal selection and purchasing, as well as all in-store design layouts. Andrea is an avid enthusiast of all visual art, but home décor seems to be my calling, as she especially enjoys providing practical advice to help you beautify the space you call home.

Seasonal Concepts is an online retailer and sells over 100 styles of pre-lit artificial Christmas trees, as well as other holiday decorations and indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories. Visit www.seasonalconceptsonline.com.