The holiday season comes in stark contrast to the typical bleakness of the winter. Holiday lights and associated decorations lend a celebratory note to the festivities. Though they may be part of the traditional cheer for some, X-mas trees and related lighting can actually become the catalyst to a serious fire.

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NFPA and Fire Insurance Claim Statistics:

• The years 2011 through 2015 had a yearly average of TWO HUNDRED X-mas tree fires, resulting in approximately six fatalities, sixteen injuries and $14.8 million in direct damages per year
  
  
• Forty percent of X-mas tree fires occurred as a result of electrical supply or tree lights
  
  
• Just over a quarter of the tree-related fires and eighty percent of associated deaths were caused by lit candles or heating sources situated too near to the tree
  
  
• Just under a quarter of X-mas tree fires were started deliberately
  
  
• 42% of X-mas tree fires took place in the month of December, whereas thirty seven percent took place in the month of January
  
  
• Thirty-seven percent of house X-mas tree fires occurred in the living room or den

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Tips on how to Avoid Associated risks:

• Decorative tree lights should be certified by an independent testing lab
  
  
• Never use lights connected to a worn or broken cord
  
  
• Never use lights with loose-fitting bulb connections
  
  
• Trees should never be adorned with lit candles
  
  
• Do not use a dried out tree
  
  
• Trees should not block a doorway
  
  
• Never leave the premises or go to sleep prior to turning of the X-mas tree lights
  
  
• Dispose of the tree immediately after the holiday
  
  

Season’s Greetings from your friends at PRIME Insurance Agency. Stay safe!

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Summary: Along with the holiday decorations, come the fire risks. Learn how to prevent the unthinkable in your home with these smart tips from the insurance guys.