Are Christmas Tree Fires Businesses’ Biggest Threat this Holiday Season?

Christmas tree debris on the ground

Seasonal decorations, including lights and trees, can help put your home or office in the holiday spirit. However, when not displayed properly, decorations can create safety hazards or cause fires. Following proper safety procedures when setting up your tree this year could mean the difference between a happy holiday and a dangerous disaster.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recorded that from 2015 to 2019, over 150 structures burned down because of trees catching fire inside of buildings, causing $10 million in property damages each year.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Christmas Tree Fires

Reducing the risk of a fire can be as easy as taking the following steps every year:

Consider an artificial tree, which poses less risk than a live one.
Natural trees should be used indoors for no longer than 10 days.
Water your natural tree daily. This can help the tree hold moisture and absorb more heat before catching fire.
Position the tree away from heat sources, such as heating vents.
Always turn the Christmas lights off before leaving the business premises. Shut off lights and/or use an electronic timer so that the lights automatically shut off at night.
Inspect lights and wiring before use. All lights should be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed.
Double-check your backup storage to ensure that important files aren’t lost should a fire occur.

Learn More

Visit The National Fire Protection Association’s website for additional holiday lighting considerations. For further Loss Control guidance, please visit the Plan & Protect safety hub.

We’re Here to Help – Contact Our Loss Control Consultants Today

At Great American Insurance Group, we strive to ensure that our policyholders are not only aware of the hazards they face but are equipped with the necessary tools to prevent and combat them as effectively as possible. Interested in learning more? Talk to our team of experts.

For additional information on improving your organization’s safety and security, visit the Plan & Protect Hub.