Home - home and needs - 5 Mistakes That Can Cause The Christmas Tree To Go Up In Flames
5 mistakes that can cause the Christmas tree to go up in flames

5 mistakes that can cause the Christmas tree to go up in flames

Christmas is right around the corner, and the lights and trees are starting to be set up in homes. While these traditions are annual staples, people still make inevitable mistakes while setting up their trees, leading to easily preventable accidents that can turn serious. So, to remain safe while celebrating this holiday season, here are some errors to note. Knowing these can help one avoid mistakes that can cause the Christmas trees to burn.

Common mistakes made that can cause Christmas trees to go up in flames
Here are some errors to note that can cause a fire in the house due to the Christmas tree and some solutions one should follow instead.

Not getting a fresh tree
Experts suggest that getting a tree that is fresh with green needles is the one to buy. The fire department, in fact, suggests this tip to ensure that the tree is not too dry so that it can avoid catching fire easily. The green needles should be so fresh that they remain intact when touched and do not fall on the ground immediately. A quick tip to check this is to just run the hand through the tree and notice if any of the needles are falling off. If yes, this means that the tree is starting to dry out, and it is at a higher risk of catching flames if kept in an unsafe environment.

Not recutting the base
Cut around two inches off the bottom of the tree when putting it in the tree stand at home for Christmas. This is another hack that can help prevent the tree from catching fire. When the tree is cut from its roots, the resin in the trunk can start to clog up the water-conducting tissues in the trunk. This is the reason the tree limits water intake after being cut. So, when the tree is recut before being put in the stand, it helps the tree resume water uptake, which keeps the tree hydrated and less likely to catch on fire.

Keeping the tree close to heat sources
Christmas time comes around winter, and this means the use of heaters and radiators in homes. While, of course, these are necessary to stay warm in the holiday season, this is also one of the reasons why the Christmas trees easily dry out inside the house. The heat and dry air in the home dehydrates the tree, and this can make the tree much more inflammable. This means that any small spark or ignition may make the whole tree go up in flames. Also, the mishap takes just seconds to occur, and it becomes difficult and dangerous to handle a fire hazard like that, which can easily spread.

Not keeping the tree away from the electrical equipment
Another pro tip is to keep the Christmas tree away from electrical cords and wires. Lighting the tree up is a Christmas tradition in almost all homes, so of course, it is not suggested that one does away with tradition. However, one must always be extra cautious when using any kind of wiring or lighting around or on the tree. Some people may want to keep them on for the whole night, and while aesthetically pleasing, this may lead to the tree slowly drying up and burning up, resulting in flames. Not only that, if there is any kind of fraying or damage to the wire, then it is difficult to contain that. So it is also especially recommended that the tree lights are not on when everyone has gone to sleep and there is no one to supervise the activity and celebration. While these may sound like strict rules, these are precautions that are needed for the safety of everyone in the house. Another safety tip around electricals is to not create a mess with too many wires. Keep extension cords and use good quality material to avoid any kind of damage or accidents.

Not keeping the tree away from candles
Just like the electrical cords and lights, candles are other decorative items that are used frequently during Christmas and festivities. A rule of thumb says that there should be no candles or open flames near the tree. This must be followed at all times! Also another good tip to know is that the tree should also be kept away from the fireplace as it can easily dry up and spark the needles. Hot ash is another thing that should be kept away from the tree as it can also ignite sparks, leading to some accidents.

There are some other recommendations made by the fire department that will keep the Christmas tree safe, along with the persons, animals, and belongings in the house. Some of these tips include the following:

It is advisable to set up the tree at least three feet away from any heat source. As discussed earlier, a heat source is a dangerous catalyst and should be kept at a distance. The professionals recommend that this distance be adhered to.
Another tip is that the tree should not be kept anywhere where it is blocking the exit of the premises. This is a general rule for safety that the exits should never be blocked. Aside from the Christmas tree, one must make sure that nothing else is also in the way that may keep people from navigating out of the premises safely.
When using Christmas lights on the trees, always make sure that the lights have the label of a recognized testing laboratory to ensure they are safe to use around the tree.

Latest Articles

8 Healthy and Filling Snack Ideas for Kids
Health

8 Healthy and Filling Snack Ideas for Kids

When hunger strikes between meals, it’s important to have healthy and satisfying snacks, especially for growing kids. The stores are flooded with packaged snack options that are tempting and convenient to buy, but most of them contain high sugar levels, empty calories, and add no nutritional value. Instead, one can opt for one of the following snacking options: easy to make, highly flavorful, and provide numerous benefits that boost a child’s development. Crunchy vegetables and hummus Vegetables are another great snack choice, providing essential vitamins and minerals. For example, one can opt for crunchy vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes. Pairing them with a healthy dip such as hummus or yogurt-based dressings can make them more appealing to kids and boost their overall health and energy levels. Yogurt Yogurt is a versatile snack packed with calcium, protein, and probiotics. The live bacteria in the product are highly beneficial for digestion. Packed with nutrients, yogurt is a supportive and tasty snack for developing and strengthening kids’ bones. One should choose plain, unsweetened yogurt and add natural sweetness by mixing fresh fruits or a drizzle of honey. One should avoid store-bought sweetened or flavored yogurt since these products contain high sugar levels. Alternatively, one can freeze yogurt in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat during warmer months. Yogurt may not be advisable, however, for infants below twelve months. Popcorn Another healthy choice for a quick snack is popcorn. This fun and crunchy snack can be ideal for movie night or after-school treats as it is nutritious whole grain rich in fiber. It can also help regulate bowel movements and is rich in antioxidants and low in bad cholesterol. One can drizzle some low-fat butter or cheese on top to make it tastier. Avoid adding too many unhealthy toppings.
17 Healthy Foods for Seniors
Health

17 Healthy Foods for Seniors

To support healthy aging, it is important to prioritize nutrition and lifestyle. Eating well-balanced meals can help one stay energized, get all the nutrients required for performing daily activities, and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, malnutrition can weaken the muscles and bones and leave one vulnerable to diseases. To avoid this, here are some healthy foods seniors must eat regularly. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are a great source of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect the body from cardiovascular conditions. Seniors must try to add fatty fish to their meals at least two times a week to improve their health. Those who do not enjoy the flavor of fish may also consider omega-3 fish oil supplements. Skinless poultry Skinless poultry, also known as lean meats, is a great source of protein for seniors. Cuts of chicken and turkey can be prepared with herbs and spices as low-sodium meals, especially for seniors with high blood pressure. Eggs Egg whites are also a great source of protein and heart-healthy nutrients for elders. However, the yolks are rich in cholesterol, so, preparing eggs carefully and eating them in moderation can help seniors boost their health. Dairy products Dairy products are a great source of nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D. Yogurt is an important probiotic that can help protect the gut biome. However, opt for reduced-fat or skimmed milk options to reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats. Also, avoid buying flavored dairy products as these often contain added sugars and preservatives. Walnuts Walnuts are another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially for vegans and vegetarians. They are a rich source of fiber and help protect heart health. Almonds Rich in unsaturated fats, almonds can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, making them a healthy snack or additive to meals.
8 Gardening Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them
Everything Else

8 Gardening Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them

Transforming your backyard can be an exciting project. You could create a hangout spot, install sculptures, or even add a garden. However, adding plants to a backyard can require considerable time and effort. If you are taking up gardening for the first time, you do not want to miss key steps that affect the look of the space. So, to help you get started, here are a few gardening mistakes and how to avoid them: Planting excessively You may spend immense amounts of time scrolling through seed catalogs and looking forward to fresh vegetables and sometimes can end up planting too much. A big garden may require a lot of effort and can become overwhelming. So, if you have just taken up gardening, start small. First, shortlist your five favorite vegetables and herbs, and grow them. As you have some success with these plants, introduce new seeds to the space to gradually expand the garden space. Planting too early Seeds require an optimum temperature to sprout and grow. If some seeds thrive in warmer temperatures, the yield may freeze and die if you try to grow them in spring. The seed may also rot without sprouting. So, you must check what climates are suitable for each type before spreading them across the garden. One of the best ways to avoid planting earlier than required is to buy a good soil thermometer and note the usual first and last frost dates in your area to avoid this period for starting a garden. Overlooking the soil type Another mistake to avoid is planting seeds without checking whether the soil is loamy. If your backyard does not have loamy soil—rich in silt, clay, sand, and organic matter—the seeds will get sufficient nourishment, and the saplings may grow weak and perish quickly. So, before you start a garden, ensure you amend the soil to make it ideal for plant growth.