Christmas trees can become fire hazards
By J.A. SZYMANSKI Precinct 2 Constable

Staff Photo by Burlon Parsons Christmas trees, real and artificial, are all part of the season's celebrations. But precautions have to be made to assure that the trees do not become a fire hazard.

It's nothing like the cooler weather to get you into that holiday spirit.

Everywhere you go, you see and hear the sounds of that magical time of year called Christmas. Although Christmas wouldn't be the same without the multi-colored, blinking lights that wrap around our houses, be extra careful with what goes on the inside of your homes.

The Christmas tree, for example, is a modern custom that can be traced back to 16th Century. Many people prefer real Christmas trees to the artificial ones.

They do offer that smell of real pine and just have the authentic look and feel of what a real Christmas tree should be.

If you do use a real tree, there are some facts that you need to know.

The Christmas tree was the item first ignited in an estimated average of 210 reported U.S. home structure fires per year in 2002 to 2005 and caused $13.3 million in direct property damage per year.

Although fire can start from the use of both real and artificial trees, the real trees cause the most danger.

The scariest statistic is a fully freestanding Christmas tree can completely burn in less then one minute. One can only stop and imagine what this would do to the inside of your home.

Here are some tips when buying and decorating your Christmas Tree this year:

• If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of water.

• Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor use and make sure your lights carry a certification from a testing laboratory.

• Don't use electric lights on a metal tree.

• Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or broken. Remember Christmas lights are relatively cheap and it's not worth the risk.

• Always unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.

• Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.

• Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don't let it run out.

• If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Always make sure you have a stronger enough stand to support your tree.

• If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.

• Keep your tree at least three to five feet from furnaces, radiators, fireplaces or other heating sources; the farther the better.

• Try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances and don't place the tree where it may block exits.

• When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in your house or put it in your garage.

• Keep a close eye on small children when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.

• Check your carbon monoxide detector and fire detectors throughout the house and install fresh batteries as needed.

On behalf of the Constable's Office in Precinct 2 and the East Bernard Volunteer Fire Department, let's make this holiday season safe and fire free.

J.A. Szymanski is a member of the East Bernard Volunteer Fire Department, the East Bernard EMS and has been Precinct 2 Constable since 1992.