The shocking video that will make you water your Christmas tree right now | United Kingdom | News
A spooky video has shown why it’s so crucial to keep your Christmas tree watered.
The National Fire Protection Association in the United States has produced a safety video showing what happens to a Christmas tree if it is neglected.
The video was shared by several British firefighters and shows how flammable a Christmas tree can be if it dries out.
Jersey Fire and Rescue told BBC News that people should water cut Christmas trees well and that ideally people should pick trees with green needles that have not started to dry out.
A fire service spokesperson told the BBC: “If your tree catches light, don’t try to fight the fire – get out, stay out and call 999.”
Firefighters urged tree owners not to place their tree near a heat source like a fireplace or heat vent because this will dry it out, meaning it could catch fire more easily.
They should also not drop or throw cigarette ashes near the tree.
Never place branches or tree needles in a fireplace or wood stove, as moisture and sap can cause them to burn violently and small explosions can occur and propel embers across a room.
And when the tree dries, dispose of it immediately by taking it to a recycling center or have it taken to a charity or community collection service.
Christmas presents an increased risk of fires in homes due to the heavy use of electric decorations and lights, unattended candles and overloaded power outlets.
Jon Saeed, managing director of LightingLegends.com, said: “Christmas is a time of celebration but unfortunately it is also a time when the risk of house fires increases significantly.
“Even something as simple as forgetting to turn off the light before bed or overloading electrical outlets can have devastating consequences.
Seven Christmas fire risks to watch out for:
1. Unattended candles
Candles left burning unattended pose a significant fire risk. They can easily ignite nearby decorations and curtains or be accidentally knocked over by pets or children. It’s important to place candles carefully, especially during busy holiday gatherings, and be sure to blow them out before going to bed or moving to another room. A safer alternative would be to use flameless LED candles.
2. Damaged or poor quality lights
Many people like to hang string lights around the house and on the Christmas tree for a warm glow, but damaged or poor quality lights can easily overheat and catch fire when hung around the house. Be sure to replace any damaged lights and remember to turn off and unplug lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
3. Overloaded outlets
It can be convenient to plug multiple Christmas lights and electrical decorations into a single outlet, but it is important to avoid overheating the electrical system, as this could cause a fire. Overloaded outlets are a common cause of home fires because electrical outlets are only designed to handle a certain amount of electricity.
4. Dry Christmas tree
If you opt for a real Christmas tree, it is extremely important to water it regularly to keep it hydrated. A well-watered Christmas tree is relatively fire resistant, but a dry tree is highly flammable and can catch fire quickly, setting a room ablaze in seconds. Be sure to never leave Christmas tree lights on overnight and keep the tree away from fireplaces and candles.
5. Non-waterproof lights outdoors
When hanging festive lights in your garden or front yard, be sure to use lights that are outdoor-rated and fully waterproof. The level of protection of lamps against dust and water is determined by their IP rating which must be at least 65 in the UK in order to withstand wet winter conditions and prevent short circuits or damage. electrical fires.
6. Cables under carpets
Hiding electrical cables under rugs or carpets may seem like a good way to tidy up, but it poses a significant fire risk. The weight and friction of foot traffic can damage cable insulation over time, and because mats retain heat, cables can overheat. This can lead to short circuits or even cause surrounding materials to ignite.
7. Flammable decorations
Many common Christmas decorations are highly flammable, such as tinsel, cardboard decorations, dry wreaths or paper chains and tinsel. It is important to keep these items away from heat sources and open flames, and to consider using fire-resistant alternatives where possible.
