Take These Steps To Prevent Holiday Fire Hazards, Says State Fire Marshal
LANSING (WWJ) -- With all of the holiday decorations and Christmas trees this time of year, there is a high chance of a fire breaking out.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems and one in six are caused by a heat source too close to the tree.
State Fire Marshal Rich Miller has some fire safety advice if you have a live Christmas tree.
"Make sure it's a fresh-cut tree, keep it properly watered, cut the tree stump at the bottom at an angle and the pot of water at the bottom is always checked daily," Miller said.
Statistics show that Christmas tree fires are much more likely to cause death than average home fires and the risk of fire is higher with natural trees than artificial ones.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, In 2005-2009 -- on average -- one of every 18 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death
per 141 total home fires.
Miller said to check those holiday lights and make sure they are not frayed or broken and place the tree near an electrical outlet so cords don't have to run long distances.
Another fire hazard that people may not think about is candles, and leaving them burning when you're not home.
"Candles have become very popular over the years and the biggest thing with candles is you cannot leave them unattended," Miller said. "Make sure they're on a hard, flat surface out of the reaches of children and properly protect all other surroundings of those."
Miller stressed that families need to review a fire exit plan and have working smoke detectors in case a blaze does happen to start in your home.