Christmas trees are prime suspects for accidents
Christmas trees are prime suspects for accidents. From stepping on spiky needles to burning the house down, just a few precautions can keep your Christmas accident free and cheerful.
Here’s our guide to keeping safe around the Christmas tree:
• Make sure the tree you buy is fresh, dry Christmas trees are highly flammable. To test your tree, simply bend a few needles between your fingers. If they fall off easily or if they don’t spring back when flexed, walk away.
• Once you have selected a good tree, place it in a sturdy stand. With a strong and heavy stand the tree is less likely to fall over.
• Water real Christmas trees regularly. This will help your tree last the festive period and keep the needles off the carpet.
• Keep your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, especially open fires. This will prolong the life of your tree and help prevent accidental fires.
• Never put candles on or near your Xmas tree. It may look traditional and romantic, but it might cause your house to burn down.
• Clean away dropped needles quickly. Needles that have been shed are a fire hazard and can get stuck in pet’s paws and uncovered toes.
• Thoroughly check your Christmas lights before decorating the tree. If they look worn or the flex is damaged, discard and buy new. Wiring faults are a common cause of house fires.
• Try to position your Christmas tree near the plug socket. Trailing wires can cause people to trip and injure themselves.
• Do not overload power supplies. Make sure that you read instruction manuals carefully before switching Christmas lights on.
• Make sure your Christmas tree is not blocking an exit. Clear exits are essential not only in the workplace but at home as well.
• Before you go to sleep at night, make sure that all your electrical Christmas decorations are turned off and unplugged.
Dobbies stock a wide range of safe and sparkly Christmas tree decorations to help make your festive holiday happy, peaceful and safe.
