Though decorations are not always problematic, Christmas trees are a little more difficult due to the fact that they are extremely flammable. When electric sparks and overheating cords combine, a dry Christmas tree can turn into a roaring house fire in less than a minute. As stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires started by Christmas trees average 200 per year. Every year, these fires cause an average of $14.8 million in property damage, 16 injuries, and 6 deaths.
As the property owner, it is pivotal to convey basic fire safety tips to your renters before the holiday season enters. Prohibiting Christmas trees completely may not be something you want to do, but there are simple guidelines you can present to tenants in order to safeguard your tenants and your rental property against the risk of fire.
The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) extends various safety precautions that can considerably lower the danger of your tree catching fire. These precautions include:
- Choose an artificial tree or ensure your real tree is fresh. Fresh trees are inherently flame resistance while artificial trees simply don’t present the same level of risk due to the fact that they don’t dry out over time.
- When using a fresh tree, be sure to water it consistently. Fresh trees should be watered daily and disposed of instantly as soon as the holiday ends or immediately after the needles begin to drop.
- Put your tree far from heat sources and open flames, for instance, fireplaces, candles, and heat vents.
- Utilize safety-tested lights and throw out any damaged light sets.
- Turn off the Christmas tree lights prior to going to bed or when exiting the home. Leaving the lights on all night or while away increases your risk of fire.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case sparks or flames do appear.
Communicating these Christmas tree safety tips with your tenants in Mill Creek can secure your rental homes and ensure that everybody enjoys a safe and peaceful holiday. With Real Property Management North Puget Sound by your side, we can assure that these safety precautions are disclosed with your renters and that all holiday decorations meet basic safety guidelines. For more insight about our full-service property management services, please contact us online or call us at 425-903-8500.