Christmas this year is set to be more special than usual, as it is (hopefully!) going to be the first one in two years that we get to spend with those special family members we were banned from seeing due to various lockdowns.
Because of this, I’m sure that many of us are preparing to splash the cash on presents, food and even a real tree to impress grandma with. But if you do opt for a real tree, you definitely need to look at this shocking video which shows the importance of keeping your tree hydrated in order to prevent a not-so-festive house fire.
Released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the clip puts two real trees next to each other and shows how quickly a fire can start with one that hasn't been watered compared to one that has.
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It shows that in just a matter of moments a dry tree can ignite, putting your home and loved ones in danger.
Within a minute, the entire tree has become engulfed in flames, spreading violently to the rest of the living room set.
And in under two minutes the whole room has been completely destroyed.
However, the well-watered tree barely catches light when coming into contact with a fire source, save for a small flame in the centre of the trunk and some smoke, which is quickly extinguished.
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The dry tree was engulfed in flames within a mater of seconds.
The National Fire Protection Association website offers advice on how to best look after your tree this year.
It says: "Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer."
And be sure to 'add water to the tree stand, daily'.
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As well as regularly watering your tree over the next few weeks, experts also have a few more pieces of Christmas wisdom that could help keep you and your family safe.
A Christmas tree safety sheet on the NFPA website states: “A heat source too close to the tree causes more than one in every five of the fires.”
As such, you should 'make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights'.
You should also 'always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed' and 'never use lit candles to decorate the tree'.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Christmas, Environment