Heating and Cooling Fort Collins gives homeowners safety tips for the winter holiday season.

1. Christmas is definitely an enjoyable and joyful time of year, ideally for everyone though it could be a
stressful time too. The fresh pine scent and the twinkling lights could be beautiful, but there are a few things
that Heating and Cooling Fort Collins wishes to ensure to understand to keep you and your household safe
this period. Here are a few ideas on Christmas tree safety.
The National Fire Protection Association states that house fires peak in December and January and on
average, one from every 18 home fires started by a Christmas tree results in death.
"Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Fire Administration
(USFA), an approximated 240 home fires involving Christmas trees and another 150 home fires including
vacation lights and various other attractive lighting happen each year. Together, these fires lead to 21 deaths
and $ 25.2 million in direct property damages."
These stats are frightening, however there are steps you can take to help avoid Christmas tree fires in your
residence. These crucial Christmas tree fire safety ideas ought to assist keep your tree looking festive and
your household safe this holiday season.
Top Tips for Tree Safety from
Location
Do not put your tree near a heat source. Candles, heaters and fireplaces must all be at least three feet from
your tree. Also stay clear of putting your tree near an exit. When it come to an emergency you do not wish a
tree blocking your method out. Use nylon cord or wire to secure your tree to a wall or to the ceiling to
prevent it from tipping over and potentially causing fire or injury.
Keep your tree hydrated
Add water to your tree as quickly as you get home and remember to water it daily. Dehydrated trees are
much more flammable and could ignite in mins. If ignited, a dry tree can come to be engulfed in flames in a
matter of seconds. Properly watering a tree is not just important to keeping it looking stunning and healthy,
however additionally safe and fire resistant.
Know your lights
Make sure your lights are made for indoor usage. Outside lights have a higher wattage incandescent light
bulb, which puts out more heat. The increased heat on a dehydrated tree can bring about a fire. Also,
examine to ensure your lights do not have actually any sort of frayed edges or loose wires. Never utilize
electric lights on a metallic tree. Metallic trees could be effortlessly charged with electrical power if the
lights are flawed.
Decorate attentively
Avoid putting breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable components on lower branches
where small youngsters or animals could reach them. Never ever use lighted candles on or near your

2. Christmas tree and keep your tree far from heat sources such as area heaters, fireplaces, televisions and
electrical outlets.
"A fresh evergreen tree in your home might bring a great smelling scent, however its dry needles and
branches also make it a fire danger. Realistic-looking artificial Christmas trees are effortless to put in and
have actually the added bonus offer of being made of flame-retardant materials. Look for fabricated
Christmas trees with PE or PVC branches, as these kinds of plastic stand up to catching fire. Regardless of
being flame-retardant, synthetic Christmas trees could still burn up if the flames are sturdy enough. For this
factor, ensure to keep your tree far from heat sources like burning candles or the fireplace."
Unplug
Remember to shut off your tree lights every night prior to going to rest. It doesn't take long for a tree to
catch fire and engulf a house. To avoid this, just keep the lights on when you are house. Some hardware
shops provide timers so your lights automatically go off each evening.
Know when to take it down
Once your tree starts dropping needles exceedingly or turns brown, it is time to take it down and securely
store ornaments for the following year. For complete fire security throughout the Christmas period, dispose
of Christmas trees after 4 weeks. Even well watered trees eventually come to be fire hazards. Contact your
city to find out if they have a tree-recycling program and never ever try to burn the whole tree in your
fireplace.
By following these Christmas tree fire safety ideas, you will be in excellent shape in securing your home
from fire and helping to make the vacation season more pleasurable.
Fire Safety with Candles
Candles are festive, enjoyable and romantic, making them a terrific choice for holiday celebrations and
adorning. But they could additionally be dangerous. According to the National Candle Association, even
more than 15,000 candle fires are stated a year and candle fires have more than doubled since the 1990's.
Occurrences of candle fires peak in December with the leading five days for candle-related fires being
Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, New Year's Eve and Halloween.
Whether you are utilizing candles to embellish for Christmas, light a menorah for Hanukkah or set a
romantic ambiance for New Year's Eve it is very important to follow some good sense fire avoidance
measures.
Candles should never be placed next to flammable items such as curtains, furnishings, paper or designs. The
very best thing to do is location candles a minimum of one to three feet in each instructions away from any
type of flammable material.
The second most significant reason of candle fires is a candle falling or being knocked over; as a result,

3. lighted candles must never be left neglected and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
Burning candles need steady tracking by adults and candles should constantly be put on a stable area far
from open windows, ceiling fans, vents and drafts.
Read the maker's directions on candles you acquisition and be especially careful when buying candles that
have flammable products such as wood and paper embedded in them. Never let a candle burn all the method
down. Leave at least two inches or a half an inch if the candle is in a container. And also utilize a candle
owner that is particularly allowed for holding lighted candles-- one that is tough and heat resistant.
Throughout power failures it may be tempting to light candles, however flashlights and various other battery
operated lighting are a much safer wager. Also candles should never be used as nightlights.
Today, there are many battery-powered candles offered in shops and online. These are a wonderful
alternative to regular candles and must be used when combining candles with greenery and various other
ornamental items. Having a smoke alarm could additionally help when a regrettable event happens.
Christmas Tree Safety for Cats
A Christmas tree could be alluring to cats with its gleaming lights, dangling jewels and climbable arm or
legs, however be mindful that the tree postures lots of threats for a curious cat. Nevertheless, there are
actions you could take to assist guarantee that your cat stays safe this vacation season. The most foolproof
means to shield your cat and your Christmas tree is to put the tree in a space your cat does not have access
to. If this is not possible, right here are some Christmas tree security ideas that will be useful.
Cats like to climb up, so make sure the tree is secure and will certainly not fall over onto your cat. The tree
must have a hefty base that will remain securely in location if your cat determines to scale the tree. You
could use a tree skirt to hide the base.
Attempt to stay clear of making use of breakable jewels for the busted glass can wound a cat. If you have to
make use of glass ornaments, put them higher up on the tree where your cat is less likely to reach, and attach
them securely to the tree. The very best jewels would be bows or material, wood or plastic accessories
rather.
It is most effectively to not utilize tinsel, bows, or string. They are luring to cats but could trigger a
dangerous intestinal blockage if eaten. Once again, it would be best to not make use of ribbons or bows on
the packages under the tree also.
Keep the tree hydrated. Pine needles are harmful, and if taken in, the sharp needles can puncture a cat's
intestines. An effectively watered tree will certainly have fewer dry pine needles falling to the ground and
into your cat's path. Occasionally sweep up around the tree to catch any sort of yearn needles that do fall.
While it's important to water your Christmas tree, make certain your cat doesn't consume the water from

4. your tree since the ache sap and any chemicals utilized in the water could be harmful to your cat.
Be mindful with electrical cords so animals do not chew them adds Heating and Cooling Fort Collins.
Taping them down so they are more difficult to chew. Supervise your cat around the vacation lights and
unplug the lights when you are not residence.
Heating and Cooling Fort Collins