Have a safe Christmas holiday with these tips for lighting trees, candles
There are many benefits to having a live Christmas tree, but a burnt house isn't one.
El Paso Fire Department spokesperson Enrique Dueñas-Aguilar said El Pasoans can reduce the risk of a live Christmas tree fire by daily watering live Christmas trees.
Dry trees can be a fire hazard.
Fortunately, in the city of El Paso, Dueñas-Aguilar said there haven't been any Christmas tree-related fires in the past couple years.
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Dueñas-Aguilar said he still urges El Pasoans to take other safety considerations:
Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree isn't blocking an exit.
Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
LED lights are preferred since they generate less heat than traditional bulbs.
Replace any string of lights that has loose bulbs and worn or broken cords or connections. Read manufacturers' instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Tips for buying a Christmas tree
The National Fire Protection Association says to choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.
The association said Christmas trees are responsible for an estimated 160 home fires annually, causing $10 million in property damage.
Candle fires also are very common around this time of year, with the worst days being Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The fire protection association said candles are responsible for 45% of decoration fires through December.
Here are some other holiday fire safety tips:
If you prefer an artificial tree, make sure you purchase a flame-resistant model.
Touch test your extension cords after plugging them in and make sure they are not hot. Don’t tuck them under the tree skirt or area rugs.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and always unplug tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed.
If your Christmas tree catches fire, call 911. Even if you extinguish the blaze, it’s best to have professional firefighters assess the situation and make sure it’s safe.
Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly.
Always have a home escape plan ready and practice it with your family and guests.
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After the holiday fire safety tips
Dueñas-Aguilar said it's important to get rid of Christmas trees when they are dry.
"Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home," Dueñas-Aguilar said.
Instead, take the tree to one of the Citizen Collection Centers, where it will be turned into mulch. Remove all decorations first.
Don't forget to bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards; it also will make them last longer.
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Anthony Jackson may be reached at ADJackson@elpasotimes.com and @TonyAnjackson on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Here are tips on having a safe Christmas tree, using holiday candles
