The holidays should be a magical time for children. Yet each year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 8700 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. In addition, Christmas trees are involved in about 400 fires annually, resulting in 20 deaths, 70 injuries and an average of more than $15 million in property loss and damage. Young children are particularly at risk for injury from sharp objects, such as glass ornaments, or from well-intentioned gifts of toys that are not appropriate to their age.

Prevention is better than cure and if certain basic preventive measures are undertaken, things will not get out of hand.   Here are a few suggestions concerning the fresh Christmas tree.

The Fresh Christmas Tree

A real tree can add to the spirit of Christmas by filling your home with beauty and the scent of pine. Try to select a fresh tree by looking for one that is green. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot.  Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.   Leave the tree outside until you are ready to decorate.

When ready, cut off about an inch or two off of the bottom of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand.   This helps the tree absorb water.  Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly. The stand should hold at least one gallon of water.  Check the water level every day.   A 6' tree will use one gallon of water every two days.  If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws.   Do not place the tree where it may block exits and keep it away from floor heaters, fireplace, or other heat sources.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

When decorating your tree, always use lights listed by a testing laboratory. Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.  Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.  If possible, use miniature lights--which have cool-burning bulbs.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use tree lights.   Check the lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.  Also, use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord.  Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs. Position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure any lit candles in the room are placed well away from tree branches.

Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children can reach them.  Do not hang popcorn chains and candy canes on the tree when small children are present as they may think that other tree ornaments are also edible.

Consider Your Pets Too!

Tinsel should be avoided as your pet may think it is a toy to play with and then may accidentally swallow or choke on the tiny strings.  Also, avoid popcorn or other food items and remove all edible gifts from under the tree.   Try to hang small and breakable ornaments out of your pet's reach.  While some recommend adding chemicals to the tree's water, such chemicals can be harmful to your pet. 
Some holiday plants, such as poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe and holly may add beauty to your home but they are very poisonous to your pets.  If these plants are ingested, they may cause vomiting, diarrhea or more serious problems.  Therefore, keep them out of your pet's reach.

Removing the Christmas Tree

Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage or placed against the house.  Once Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it properly.

Peter Ottowitz, Allstate Home Inspection & Environmental Testing

Certified Master Inspector

Certified Environmental Home Inspector

Certified Residential Mold Inspector

Licensed Construction Supervisor

978-897-7130

http://www.pottowitzhomeinspector.com/