Avoid holiday accidents by using safety precautions

It can sometimes take no more than three seconds for a Christmas tree to become fully engulfed in flames.

It is a fact firefighters around the globe are all aware of, as sap helps to make it extremely flammable.

"That is one of the most famous, worldwide training films, how quickly Christmas trees can go up," said Sebring Fire Department Chief Brad Batz. "They use a Christmas tree when they show firefighters how rapidly fire travels."

It is also something Highlands County residents should be cautious of this holiday season as they gather with family to decorate that most famous of Christmas symbols.

"They're great; you just want to make sure of precautions," Batz said.

Those precautions include keeping the tree away from ignition sources as it starts to dry out and make sure there are no frayed Christmas lights wrapped around it.

Batz also advises that parents with small children watch them carefully if they get around the tree, because of their inquisitive nature and a desire to touch and pull on things.

If the child were to pull the tree on top of them, they'd be threatened by not only it, but the electric lighting, glass ornaments and wires.

Homeowners should also be careful that they don't plug too many lights or other decorations into one circuit and risk an overload.

"The biggest thing with Christmas is the lighting and the circuitry," Batz said.

Go to this link to see a video of a Christmas tree becoming engulfed: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/treefire.shtm