U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports more than double the number of open-flame fires on Christmas Day than on an average day, and about twice as many on New Year’s Day. Property loss during a holiday fire is 34 percent greater than in an average fire, and the number of fatalities per thousand fires is nearly 70 percent higher. If the source of the fire is a highly flammable Christmas tree, the toll in property and lives is even greater. It takes less than 30 seconds for a dry tree to engulf a room in flames, according to the Building and Fire Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Standards and Technology.

To minimize risk, buy a fresh tree with intact needles, get a fresh cut on the trunk, and water it every day. Keep the tree away from heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator, and out of traffic patterns. If using live garlands and other greenery, keep them at least three feet away from heating sources.  No matter how well the tree is watered, it will start to dry out after about four weeks.

Don’t risk your most valuable asset – the one you live in – to carelessness and fire. Have a safe and merry Christmas!

Jeff
Good homes, good living!

http://www.SanJoseRealEstateSource.com
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Jeff Spoelstra is a California residential real estate agent and REALTOR with years of experience making buying or selling property as easy and painless as possible. It’s my mission to provide the information you want and the help you need to get the home you’ll love.

Disclaimer: The above information is deemed reliable but is subject to change at any time and is not guaranteed to be accurate nor are there any warantees either express or implied. It is not intended to be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. California DRE license #01470808.