Heating and Air Spokane gives tips for holiday home safety.

1. Christmas is definitely an enjoyable and joyful time of the year, ideally for everyone though it can be a
difficult time too. The fresh pine scent plus the twinkling lights may be
gorgeous, however there are a few actions that Heating and Air
Spokane wishes to see to it to understand to keep both you and your family
members safe this season. Right here are a few pointers on Christmas tree
security.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that house fires peak in
December and January and on average, one out of every 18 house fires started
by a Christmas tree outcomes in death.
"Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the
U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 240 home fires involving
Christmas trees and another 150 home fires involving holiday lights and other
decorative lighting occur each year. Together, these fires result in 21 deaths
and $25.2 million in direct property damage." (read more. . .)
These statistics are scary, however you will find actions you can take to assist
avoid Christmas tree fires in your house. These important Christmas tree fire
safety tips should help keep your tree looking festive and your household safe this holiday period.
Top Tips for Tree Safety from Spokane Heating and
Air Conditioning
Where to put the tree
Be careful not to place your tree near a source of heat. Candles, heaters and fireplaces should all be at least 3 feet
away from your tree. Additionally, prevent putting your tree near an exit. In the case of an emergency you won't
want a tree blocking your way out. Usage nylon cord or wire to fasten your tree to a wall or to the ceiling to avoid it
from falling over and possibly triggering fire or injury.
Keep the tree hydrated
Add water to your tree once you get residence and keep in mind to water it regularly. Dehydrated trees are much
more flammable and could catch fire in moments. If ignited, a dry tree can become engulfed in flames in only
seconds. Appropriately watering a tree is not only essential in maintaining it looking attractive and healthy, but also
safe and fire resistant.
Know your lights
Always make sure your lights are authorized for indoor use, suggests Heating and Air Spokane. Outside lights have
a higher wattage incandescent light bulb, which creates more heat. The enhanced heat on a dehydrated tree could
cause a fire. Also, examine to ensure your lights do not have any frayed edges or loose wires. Never ever utilize
electric lights on a metallic tree. Metallic trees could be conveniently charged with electrical power when lighting is
defective warns Heating and Cooling Spokane WA
Decorate attentively
Avoid putting fragile tree accessories or ones with small, removable components on lower branches where small
kids or animals could get to them. Never place lighted candles on or near your Christmas tree and keep your tree far
from heat sources like space heaters, fireplaces, televisions and outlets.
"A fresh evergreen tree in the house may bring a fragrant aroma, but its dry needles and branches also make it a fire
hazard. Realistic-looking artificial Christmas trees are easy to install and have the added bonus of being made of
flame-retardant materials. Look for artificial Christmas trees with PE or PVC branches, as these types of plastic
resist catching fire. Despite being flame-retardant, artificial Christmas trees can still burn up if the flames are strong

2. enough. For this reason, make sure to keep your tree away from heat sources like burning candles or the
fireplace." (read more. . .)
Unplug
Make sure you shut off your tree lights every evening before going to sleep. It doesn't require much time for a tree to
ignite and engulf a residence. To avoid this, only have the lights on when you're house. Some equipment shops
supply timers so your lights conveniently go off each night.
Know when you should remove it
As soon as your tree starts dropping needles overly or turns brown, you should remove it and securely store
ornaments for the following year. For complete fire safety during the holiday period, remove Christmas trees after
four weeks. Even well watered trees at some point become fire risks. Contact your city to find out whether they have
a tree-recycling program and never attempt to burn the whole tree in your fireplace.
Fire Safety with Candles
Candles are festive, fun and romantic, making them a fantastic selection for
vacation events and enhancing. But they can additionally be dangerous. As
stated by the National Candle Association, more than 15,000 candle fires are
reported each year and candle fires have more than doubled since the 1990's.
Events of candle fires peak in December with the top 5 days for candle-related
fires being Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, New Year's Eve and
Halloween.
No matter if you're utilizing candles to adorn for Christmas or set an intimate
mood for New Year's Eve it is essential to follow some sound judgment fire
avoidance measures.
Candles ought to never be placed following to flammable items such as
curtains, furnishings, paper or decorations. The finest thing to do is spot
candles a minimum of one to three feet in each direction away from any type of
flammable material.
The second most significant source of candle fires is often a candle falling or
being knocked over; therefore, lighted candles should never be left unattended and should be shut out of the reach
of children and pets. Burning candles require steady tracking by grownups and candles ought to always be placed on
a steady area away from open windows, ceiling supporters, vents and drafts.
Review the manufacturer's directions on candles you purchase and be particularly mindful when purchasing
candles that have flammable materials such as wood and paper embedded in them. Never let a candle burn all the
way down. Leave at least two inches or a half an inch if the candle is in a container. And also use a candle owner that
is especially allowed for holding lighted candles-- one that is durable and heat resistant.
Throughout power failures it may be appealing to light candles, but flashlights and other battery powered lighting
are really a much safer wager. Also candles ought to never be utilized as nightlights.
Today, there are numerous battery-powered candles available in stores and online. These are a great alternative to
regular candles and ought to be utilized when combining candles with plant and other attractive items. Having a
smoke alarm can also assist when a regrettable event takes location.
Heating and Air Spokane's Christmas Tree Safety for Cats
A Christmas tree can be alluring to cats with its shimmering lights,
dangling ornaments and climbable limbs, but understand that the tree
positions many hazards for a curious cat. Nonetheless, there are steps
you can take to assist guarantee that your cat stays safe this holiday

3. season. The most foolproof method to secure your cat and your Christmas tree is to place the tree in a room your cat
doesn't have access to. If this is not possible, here are some Christmas tree safety tips that will certainly be useful.
Cats adore to climb up, so make sure the tree is protected and will certainly not fall over onto your cat. The tree
ought to have a heavy base that will certainly remain firmly in location if your cat chooses to scale the tree. You
could utilize a tree skirt to hide the base.
Try to avoid making use of breakable accessories for the broken glass can hurt a cat. If you need to use glass
accessories, put them higher up on the tree where your cat is less likely to reach, and attach them securely to the
tree. The finest accessories can be bows or fabric, wood or plastic jewels rather.
It is most effectively to not utilize tinsel, bows, or string. They are tempting to cats however could cause a harmful
intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Once again, it would be best to not use ribbons or bows on the packages
underneath the tree too.
Keep the tree hydrated. Pine needles are dangerous, and if taken in, the sharp needles could puncture a cat's
intestinal tracts. An appropriately watered tree will have fewer dry pine needles falling to the ground and into your
cat's path. Occasionally sweep up around the tree to record any ache needles that do fall. While it's important to
water your Christmas tree, make certain your cat does not drink the water from your tree because the pine sap and
any sort of chemicals made use of in the water could be poisonous to your cat.
Be cautious with electrical cords so animals do not chew them. Taping them down so they are harder to chew.
Supervise your cat around the vacation lights and disconnect the lights when you are not house.
What to look for
"Christmas trees are considered to be mildly toxic. The fir tree oils can irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing
excessive drooling or vomiting. The tree needles are not easily digested either; possibly causing GI irritation,
vomiting, gastrointestinal obstruction or puncture. . . If your pet has chewed on the Christmas tree or other plants,
monitor for any changes of behavior (excessive licking, salivating), appetite, activity, water consumption, vomiting
and diarrhea."
Heating and Air Spokane hopes by following these Christmas tree fire security pointers, you will certainly be in
great shape in securing your house from fire and assisting to help make the holiday season more pleasant.