Is Your Christmas Tree a Threat?

Christmas trees are a beautiful way to welcome in the spirit of the holidays, but be warned, they bring with them an element of danger.  You need to be diligent about how your tree is protected and placed in your home.

Christmas trees can catch on fire. The National Fire Protection Association reports that between 2007-2011 U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 230 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of six deaths, 22 injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damage annually.

While the living room fireplace may be an ideal venue for Santa to stuff stockings, the heat from the fire, vents, and radiators dry out live trees quickly. 

At this busy time of year a Christmas tree is not the only threat to your safety.  More than 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents occur each year with an increase in statistics during the holiday as people gather together.  Heating equipment accounted for nearly 60,000 injuries in 2013.  Space heaters accounted for 19% of the total injuries, but more than two-thirds of the thermal burn injuries.

The Masters Law Firm in Charleston West Virginia hopes that you have a safe and happy Christmas season.  Remember that if you need representation due to any injury, contact The Masters Law Firm at (800) 988-4035.

Anchor And Stabilize Your Christmas Tree and Furniture

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released a statement urging parents and caregivers to anchor and stabilize their furniture, appliances, televisions and Christmas tree, in order to put a stop to tip-over related accidents.

In a report released by the CPSC this past December, 379 people were killed and many more were injured in tip over related accidents between 2000 and 2012. Eighty-four percent of the people that were killed were younger than 9 years old. 2012 had the greatest increase in fatalities at 41 for the year. The CPSC estimates that over 43,000 people are injured each year in these types of accidents. Falling televisions accounted for 62 percent of the reported fatalities.

Most fatalities occur in the bedroom. Some reports believe that as a family transitions to a flat screen TV, their older, heavier TV is moved into the bedroom without the proper stand or anchoring device. A dresser is no place for an unanchored television and is involved in many tip-over related accidents. A TV should be placed on a stand suitable for its size and weight, in addition to being securely anchored.

In an effort to prevent tip-over related tragedies, the CPSC recommends the following safety measures in homes where children live or visit:

·         Anchor furniture to the wall or the floor.

·         Place TVs on sturdy, low bases, or anchor the furniture and the TV on top of the base, and push the TV as far back on the furniture as possible.

·         Keep remote controls, toys, and other items that might attract children off of TV stands or furniture.

·         Keep TV and/or cable cords out of reach of children.

·         Make sure freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.

·         Supervise children in rooms where these safety tips have not been followed.

Have a safe and happy holiday from the Masters Law Firm in Charleston West Virginia.