Understanding the Risks of Pre-Lit Christmas Trees
It's magical to see the lights twinkle and the ornaments sparkle on a Christmas tree right within your home, but knowing whether or not it is safe to leave pre-lit trees plugged in is essential.
Pre-lit Christmas are great, and they definitely add spice to your space. But how exactly do you prevent hazards using them?
You’ll find out.
Although it's fairly well known that a live tree could become dry and potentially a fire hazard, the way lighting passes through branches makes matters even more dangerous if the necessary precautions aren't taken.
On the other hand, artificial trees pose a fire risk due to the electrical components contained within their lights. Accordingly, NFPA advises everyone to turn off all pre-lit Christmas trees before leaving home or catching up some Z’s.
Tips for Choosing a High-Quality Pre-Lit Tree to Prevent Fire Hazards
They further reported that electrical problems cause one in four home Christmas tree fires. Fires can happen quickly when you have artificial trees which use electricity to keep their lights on, and are even more dangerous and destructive if you’re not at home or asleep at the time.
According to Richey Austin, a Safety Health Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) expert in Houston, Texas, a properly protected home from Christmas trees’ fire hazards can save a lot of lives. "When there is a fire, it can double in size every minute, so detecting and extinguishing it quickly is vital," Austin says. It is therefore imperative that you verify that your smoke detectors are working and that you have a fire extinguisher available in the event of a fire."
The right precautions should be taken when purchasing an artificial tree to prevent a fire from starting. According to a representative from the artificial tree manufacturer Balsam Hill, choosing a tree that is flame-resistant or has other safety features can minimize fire risks.