Christmas trees and a glowing fireplace are festive holiday traditions, but they can be dangerous unless a few safety tips are observed.
Nothing makes a house look more like a home during the holidays than a fire burning in the fireplace and a Christmas tree. But set a tree to close to a fireplace and it could go up in flames.
Fire experts say there are some easy ways to prevent such tragedies. They say keep the tree far from any heat source.
"We would recommend that people keep them at least three or four feet away from the fireplace and away from heat ducts in the home as well," said Captain Thomas Rutledge of the Gwinnett County Fire Department.
Captain Rutledge says a dry tree is a dangerous tree, so keep it well hydrated.
"Anytime that tree begins to dry out, it's exposed to heat, especially if it's close to a heat vent in your home, that tree is going to dry out. Lights come on, it could spark a fire to combustible materials, like decorations that you have on your tree," said Rutledge.
The heat can be simply from the lights on the tree. Rutledge says don't overload your power source.
"It's very important to make sure that when you're stranding your Christmas lights you don't plug more than three cords together before you hook them into a power source. They need separate power sources," said Rutledge.
He says keep all flammable objects away from the fireplace, and have your chimney checked by a professional.
"A lot of our house fires that we see from a fireplace, related fires, is simply when that fire burns outside the fire box, runs up the chase, and you could be in the house and not even know it. And your neighbor knocks on the door and tells you your roof is on fire or that your chimney is on fire," said Rutledge.
Rutledge says you should always turn your lights off before you go to bed. And make sure your pets aren't drinking the tree's water. He says it's good time to go over your family's fire escape plan.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
