We all love trimming up the tree at Christmas time.
It's fun, cosy and also adds a layer of magic to the festive season, but you need to make sure it's safe. This is because they're also a potential fire hazard.
The home security and safety experts at ADT revealed their top tips for keeping your home safe this Christmas. All you have to do is follow a few simple rules.
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Glenn Amato, Managing Director at ADTUK&I Subscriber, said: "UK fire statistics show house fires are the most common in December, so it is important you take the necessary precautions to ensure your Christmas decorations are not creating a fire hazard. However, you decide to celebrate this year, ensure your home and family are safe and protected this Christmas."
If you follow some simple guidelines things should run pretty smoothly and you should stay safe. All you need to know is what sort of tree to buy, and where to position it.
Don't make any silly mistakes, as it could lead to problems.
Buy a freshly cut tree
When purchasing a tree, make sure it's freshly cut, as an older tree could be dryer and dehydrated. A dry tree can set alight much more easily and a lot quicker than a well-hydrated Christmas tree.
Also when you get your tree home, cut 3cm off the trunk and put it in a bucket of water to rehydrate it.
Keep your tree base damp
Continuously water your tree base every day, and make sure your tree trunk is immersed in at least two inches of water over the Christmas period to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Don't worry – your tree can’t be overwatered.
Check your lights
Before tree decorating, plug in your lights and check the wiring and inspect all bulbs for looseness and other issues or signs of damage. Electrical fires can spark from faulty wiring or overloaded outlets.
Experts recommend you use low-voltage LED fairy lights (only for indoor use), as LEDs are not only long-lasting, but they will also help you to save money on your energy bills.
Positioning your tree
Keep your tree away from any open flames – fires or candles. No flames should be near tree branches and fireplaces should have a screen to prevent embers from popping onto the tree.
Position your tree as far from fireplaces as possible and ensure candles are on heat-proof bases in a candle holder.
Switch it off
At least 50% of all fires are electrical in nature, so make sure that all electrical decorations are switched off and/or unplugged before going to bed. By using smart plugs, you can turn your lights on and off through your smartphone at set times or through geo-fencing so switching them off when you leave an area you set around your home.
You can also switch them on when you re-enter that zone.
Test your smoke alarms
Additionally, ensure your smoke alarms are working properly to alarm you and your family if a fire were to occur. You should test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they’re in good condition and protect you from the risk of a fire.
You can invest in ADT’s monitored smoke and heat detectors that check for smoke and heat every seven seconds and, upon detection, ADT’s alarm receiving centre will inform you or if necessary the fire service.
This ensures a swift response and minimises risk – perfect for when pets or loved ones are left at home.
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