As Christmas creeps closer and closer, many people will be preparing to decorate the home for the festive season - and no house would be complete without a Christmas tree.
However, the real trees that many opt for can be a potential fire hazard, and can create damp throughout the home too. Thankfully, experts at ADT have revealed their top tips for keeping your home safe this Christmas.
Read on below to find out the top tips from the home security and safety experts in how to keep your home free of potential hazards during the festive season.
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Buy a freshly cut tree
When purchasing a tree, make sure it is freshly cut, an older tree could be dryer and dehydrated. A dry tree can set alight much more easily and a lot quicker than a well-hydrated Christmas tree. When you get your tree home, cut 3cm off the trunk and put it in a bucket of water to rehydrate it.
Keep your tree base damp
Continuously water your tree base every day and make sure your tree trunk is immersed in at least 2 inches of water over the Christmas period to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Do not worry - your tree can’t be overwatered.
Check your lights
Before tree decorating, plug in your lights and check the wiring and inspect all bulbs for looseness and other issues or signs of damage. Electrical fires can spark from faulty wiring or overloaded outlets.
Experts recommend that you use low-voltage LED fairy lights (only for indoor use), as LEDs are not only long-lasting, but they will also help you to save money on your energy bills.
Position your tree away from potential hazards
Keep your tree away from any open flames - fires or candles. No flames should be near tree branches and fireplaces should have a screen to prevent embers from popping onto the tree. Position your tree as far from fireplaces as possible and ensure candles are on heat-proof bases in a candle holder.
Switch it off
50 per cent of all fires are electrical in nature, so make sure that all electrical decorations are switched off and/or unplugged before going to bed.
By using smart plugs, you can turn your lights on and off through your smartphone, at set times or through geo-fencing so switching them off when you leave an area you set around your home, or switching them on when you re-enter that zone.
Test the smoke alarms
Additionally, ensure your smoke alarms are working properly to alarm you and your family if a fire were to occur.
You should test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they’re in good condition and protect you from the risk of a fire.
Glenn Amato, Managing Director at ADT UK&I Subscriber said: “UK fire statistics show house fires are the most common in December, so it is important you take the necessary precautions to ensure your Christmas decorations are not creating a fire hazard.
"However, you decide to celebrate this year, ensure you’re home and your family are safe and protected this Christmas.”
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