One of the best things about the Christmas season is that it brings families together. Social gatherings, beautiful gifts, and twinkling lights are a familiar scene. People generally consider seasonal decorations to be incomplete if there is no Christmas tree, complete with lights and ornaments at the center of it all. Piedmont rental property owners should know that their tenants probably feel the same way and is thinking of having a Christmas tree as part of their holiday celebrations.
Decorations are not always a problem; it is because Christmas trees are extremely flammable nature. When combined with electrical sparks or overheating cords, a dry Christmas tree can turn into a roaring house fire in less than a minute. According to 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 six deaths.
As the property owner, you have to make sure that you let your renters know about the basic fire safety tips before the holiday season arrives. While prohibiting Christmas trees altogether is likely not an option, there are some relatively easy things your tenants can do to protect themselves and your rental home from the risk of fire.
The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) offers a number of safety precautions that can significantly reduce the risk of your tree catching fire. These precautions include:
- Buy a fresh (real) tree or an artificial tree. New trees are reliable due to their inherent fire resistance. Artificial trees are also much competent than real trees are because they won’t dry out over time.
- Water your fresh tree consistently. Fresh trees must be watered regularly and removed immediately after the holiday or as soon as the needles begin to drop.
- Place your tree away from heat sources and open flames, such as fireplaces, candles and heat vents.
- Use safety-tested lights and throw out any damaged light sets.
- Turn off the Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home. Leaving the lights on all night or while away increases your risk of fire.
- Keep an up-to-date fire extinguisher nearby in the event that sparks or flames do appear.
Letting these Christmas tree safety tips be familiar with your tenants in Piedmont can protect your rental homes and help everyone enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday. With Real Property Management Masters by your side, we can help you with that. We make sure that safety precautions are shared with your renters and that all holiday decorations meet basic safety guidelines. For more information about our full-service property management services, please contact us online or call us at 510-398-8704.
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