As Christmas season is finally approaching, everybody knows that this also means there will be plenty of family get-togethers with social gatherings, beautiful gifts, and twinkling lights. Many consider seasonal decorations to be incomplete if it is without a lovely Christmas tree, complete with lights and ornaments. Ransom Canyon rental property owners should understand that their tenants are just the same and that many are probably thinking about a Christmas tree as being an essential staple in their holiday celebrations.
The fact is, decorations are not always the reason, but it is because Christmas trees can be difficult due to their extremely flammable nature. Coupled 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.
Being a responsible property owner, it is wise to inform your renters about basic fire safety tips before the holiday season arrives. Although prohibiting Christmas trees altogether is not a good solution, there are easy precautionary measures that your tenants can do to make sure that they are keeping themselves far from harm at the same time protect your rental home from the risk of fire.
The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) offers numerous safety precautions that can significantly lessen the risk of your tree catching fire. These precautions include:
- Get a fresh (real) tree or an artificial tree. Fresh trees are generally dependable due to their inherent fire resistance. Artificial trees are also much more reliable than real trees are because they won’t dry out over time.
- Make sure that you are watering your fresh tree consistently. Fresh trees must be watered frequently and removed instantly 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 the 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.
Communicating these Christmas tree safety tips with your tenants in Ransom Canyon can protect your rental homes and help everyone enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday. With Real Property Management Services by your side, we can ensure that these 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 806-853-6546.
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