Christmas tree safety reminder

[chris99z71]

I apologize to those of you who have already seen this in the past, but it's important enough that a reminder can't hurt.
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http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/media/tree_fire.mpeg​

Notice that it takes less than 40 seconds from the time of ignition until the room experiences flashover (everything in the room simutaneously reaching ignition temperature and bursting into flames).
If you were sleeping, would your family be able to get out in time?
If you were awake, would your family be able to get out in time?
Would you even have enough time to be able to get a fire extinguisher and use it?
These are important questions to ponder.

Will the Christmas lights cause the tree to burst into flames? According to the "Myth Busters", properly operating lights won't.
But what if there IS some other source of ignition?

Here are some good safety tips!:​

1. When you buy your tree, have the vendor make a fresh cut an inch from the bottom; this will help the tree drink.​
2. If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of water.
3. Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor use. Make sure your lights carry certification from a testing laboratory.
4. Don't use electric lights on a metal tree.
5. Discard any strings of lights that are frayed or broken. Christmas lights are cheap.
6. Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.
7. Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.
8. Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don't let it run out.
9. If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws. Of if your tree stand is cheap, buy a larger, stronger one.
10. If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.
11. Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.
12. try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
13. When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in your house or put it in your garage.
14. Keep a close eye on small children when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.

 

[NCPete]

8-O8-O8-O That's not just a little scary.

 

[Eaglesc]

I didn't bother reading the tips after seeing the first one was wrong.If the vendor cuts the 1 inch from the bottom it will scab over before you get it home making that cut useless for the intended purpose.
To allow the tree to soak up water and remain fresh.

 

[chris99z71]

OK, sorry about that one. I grabbed those from a different web page. My main point is the video.

 

[NCPete]

when I have had trees, I have used a 1" spade bit to open up the bottom of the tree, 'cause around here, they seem to want to cut that inch for you anyways.

 

[DaveO]

I have always had a artificial tree for those reason. Plus, I hate the idea of growing a beautiful tree to only have it cut down and used as decoration for a few weeks. The only way I would have a live tree is if it was B&B and then planted in the yard after the hoilday was over (but I don't do that because they rarely survive without a lot of effort :BangHead
Dave

 

[Eaglesc]

Look at it this way.
The trees are grown to be harvested.Thet are pruned and shaped to make them look the way we like them.
While growing they act as a land"conservator"They stop erosion.They converted CO2 into oxygen.If the land were not used for Cultivation of trees Urban sprall would take over the land, worse yet they would put a Mall or a Wally World on that spot of land.
Actually by using an Ratificial tree you are contributing to the very thing you are trying to conserve.
I hope you get picture of a Unisaw under your artifical tree fro Christmas.:eusa_danc

 

[DaveO]

Ouch, Eagle. But you are correct. I am not saying bad things against the Xmas tree industry, because of the reasons that you mentioned. I am a tree hugger - 2 degrees in Horticulture, Landscape Designer by profession, my avatar is even the Lorax who "speaks for the trees". I am just stating that my preference is an artificial tree because I hate to see trees killed. Yes, that does seem to be a conflict of interest being a woodworker, but I would like to think that the wood I use comes from trees that lived out their usable life span. :-D:-D

Dave

P.S. the only Unisaw that I could afford, would be a picture :crybaby2::lol::lol::lol:

 

[jerrye]

Then there's people like us that have an artificial because my wife is allergic to evergreens. At least the aluminum trees like the one my mom and dad had when I was a kid aren't around anymore:rolf: !!!!!!