MORE THAN ONE-THIRD (36%) of U.S. HOME FIRES INVOLVING CHRISTMAS TREES OCCUR IN JANUARY. With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) strongly encourages everyone to dispose of Christmas trees promptly after the holiday season.
“As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA.
According to NFPA data, Christmas tree fires don’t happen often, but when they do occur, they’re more likely to be serious. That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home. A dried-out Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.
Between 2018 and 2022, there was an estimated annual average of 155 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees, resulting in four civilian deaths, seven civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage.
“Fires that begin with Christmas trees represent a very small but notable part of the U.S. fire problem, considering that they are generally in use for a short time each year,” said Carli.
To safely dispose of a Christmas tree, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program, if possible; trees should not be put in the garage or left outside. NFPA also offers these tips for safely removing lighting and decorations to ensure that they remain in good condition:
• Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.
• As you pack up light strings, inspect each line for damage, throwing out any sets that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
• Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
• Store electrical decorations in a dry place away from children and pets where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.
YOUTH CAN SUBMIT TO ANNUAL BOOK CONTEST FOCUSING ON HISTORY FOR A CASH PRIZE
The Grateful American Book Prize is accepting submissions for historical fiction, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies for adolescents—ages 11 to 15, and published between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025.
“Over the past several decades schools have gradually de-emphasized history in the classroom; as a result, many students do not know who Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were,” according to David Bruce Smith, Co-founder of the Prize. “It’s been a lingering problem for quite some time and so, at the behest and in collaboration with the late Dr. Bruce Cole, the former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we established the Prize to re-engage young readers and ramp up interest. As Dr. Cole put it, ‘we are a country of historical amnesiacs’ and perhaps historical ‘page turners’ for kids may be just what the doctor ordered.”
The Grateful American Book Prize comes with a $13,000 cash award in commemoration of the 13 original Colonies, a lifetime membership to The New York Historical, and a medallion created by Smith’s mother, the renowned artist, Clarice Smith. Two Honorable Mention recipients receive $500 each, plus the medallion.
For more information, visit the Grateful American Book Prize website to view the online submission form. Please remember: the deadline to enter is July 31, 2025.
MORE BLOOD SUPPLY DONATIONS ARE NEEEDED IN JANUARY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
More blood transfusions are required in January than during any other month of the year.
That’s why The Thunderbirds, the hosts of the WM Phoenix Open, have stepped up to make sure that 2025 starts out on par for patients across Arizona. Jan. 1 – 12 Vitalant Valley donors will receive a voucher for a free specific-day ticket to the WM Phoenix Open in appreciation for replenishing Arizona’s blood supply following the holiday season.
Honored as the PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year and billed as “The People’s Open,” the greatest show on grass will be held Feb. 3 – 9 at the TPC Scottsdale.
Learn more at vitalant.org/holiday90sdonor.
For a donation appointment, visit vitalant.org, download the Vitalant App or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). West Valley locations detailed below.
Valley blood donors receive a Vitalant voucher with a unique promo code to register online by Jan. 17 with their electronic ticket date preference for Feb. 5, 6 or 9 (Wed., Thu. or Sun.)
Vouchers cannot be accepted at the tournament gate.
