PLEASE READ! This Could Happen to YOU!

[JHanc968]

I hotlisted this journal. Please BUMP it.  Thanks!

http://www.cafemom.com/hotlist/alerts_recalls/10750/
PLEASE_READ_This_Could_Happen_to_YOU_Journals_CafeMom

PLEASE READ! This Could Happen to YOU!

I am a professional photographer and yesterday I took photos and a virtual tour for a company that rebuilds homes after a fire.  The link below will show you what can happen if you leave your Christmas tree lights on all night.

Virtual Tour Link:

http://rtvpix.com/tour/BU/tour.view.new.php?utl=BU-5970-3NMB1O-01

This family got out, thank God, you will see however, that none of their belongings did.

Please be careful this holiday and take all the safety precautions required to prevent this.

Here are some links to help:

http://www.firesafety.gov/citizens/firesafety/holiday.shtm

http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/releases/120602/xmasfire.html

http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/giam/potpourri/holiday/xmastree_safety.html

http://www.bettyconfidential.com/ar/h/a/a02976.html

Here are a few photos:

 

[NorahSethsMommy]

Dec. 15, 2008 at 12:36 AM

Yikes...that is scary! Thaqnks for passing this on!

[MomaNana2008]

Dec. 15, 2008 at 6:36 AM

Please hotlist Your journal as many should be reminded-send me the hotllist and I'll send it to everyone on my  friends list- can't be too safe!  Also-relist Your journal on marketplace by adding a poll-ask something like who has had a fire during christmas time-then check the "send to marketplace" so it gets seen there-ok? Very important info to review.////

[meandmyemily11]

Dec. 15, 2008 at 11:45 AM thats sad and right before Christmas.

[sati769leigh]

Dec. 15, 2008 at 3:34 PM

that is so heartbreaking! thank god they got out!

[Goodwoman614]

Dec. 15, 2008 at 11:40 PM

When we put up our tree, the angel didn't light up(the one we put at the top of the tree).  I took it down and examined it closely, thinking it would just need a new bulb or two.  I found that the wires that ran up the sleeves of the angel's dress, to the lights she holds in her hands, were blackened and slightly melted looking.  I do not know if this happened last year, before we put her away, or just now, after plugging her in and being busy with the rest of the tree lights for a while before taking her down to inspect.

Whatever, I am glad to have found this.  I do not like to think what might've happened.  We have our tree lights on a power strip (they are the only thing plugged into it), which just needs to be switched off at night and whenever we leave the house, or even do not plan on being in the living room.

[RanaAurora]

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:27 AM

Myth Busters did an episode on X-Mas tree stuff.  Your risks aren't a dry tree or the lights getting too hot.  Your risks are putting TOO MANY lights into one outlet and overloading it, or having cords that are frayed.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to see how many strands you can safely put together, and do NOT go above it.  Also examine the cord the WHOLE way down before you put any up, even if they're brand new.

[simplyjaneen]

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:55 AM

AND MAKE SURE YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR WORKS! That should be a given but still, check it and make sure it works.

[simplyjaneen]

Dec. 16, 2008 at 1:58 AM

And that's not the worst. When we had our house fire (not due to a Christmas thank goodnes, it was a summer fire), ALL that was left was the chimney and fireplace. The rest fell into the basement when the house exploded after the gas line was hit. Fortunately, we had gotten out WELL before then.

[paddleballchris]

Dec. 16, 2008 at 9:36 AM

OMG Terrible!

[Tigger9406]

Dec. 16, 2008 at 10:09 AM

YIKES!!!  Glad everyone got out ok.  Thank you for posting.