Monday, December 10, 2012

Fire and Safety Tips for Christmas Trees

 It’s something we’d prefer not to think about during the holiday season as boxes of ornaments are dusted off and long strings of lights are untangled, but as your family gathers this year it is important to consider the safety of your Christmas tree.

Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur they tend to be serious. One in every 66 reported Christmas tree fires resulted in death. 

 Between 2006 and 2010, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees each year.  An average of four deaths per year, 21 injuries and $17.3 million in property damage resulted from these fires. 

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has offered a series of fire and safety tips for Christmas trees on behalf of the Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services to help keep Long Islanders safe and secure this holiday season.