Christmas season is fast approaching, and that means families get together with social gatherings, beautiful gifts, and twinkling lights. A lot of people believe that seasonal decorations would not be as fantastic without a beautiful Christmas tree, complete with lights and ornaments. As a Bullhead City rental property owner, you should always bear in mind that your tenants would most likely have the same sentiment and would also want a Christmas tree to become a part of their holiday celebrations.
Although decorations are not always the reason, Christmas trees are unique due to their 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, it is significant that you educate basic fire safety tips to your renters before the holiday season approaches. While prohibiting Christmas trees, all in all is not a good idea, there are some relatively simple things your tenants can do to make sure that they are protected and your home too, from the risk of fire.
The American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) suggests numerous safety precautions that can significantly reduce the risk of your tree catching fire. These precautions include:
- Opt for a fresh (real) tree or an artificial tree. New trees are generally safer due to their inherent fire resistance. Artificial trees are also much more reliable than real trees are since they won’t dry out over time.
- Make sure that you keep your fresh tree consistently watered. Fresh trees must be watered regularly and detached 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 if sparks or flames do appear.
Communicating these Christmas tree safety tips with your tenants in Bullhead City can protect your rental homes and help everyone enjoy a safe and peaceful holiday. With Real Property Management Northern Arizona by your side, we can guarantee 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 928-757-7368.
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