Christmas Tree Safety Tips

This year found many of us putting up our Christmas tree a little earlier than usual. Christmas trees can be a great way to bring the joy of the holiday spirit into our homes in a big way. As pretty as trees are, they can bring with them an increased risk of house fires. While Christmas tree fires are less common than non-Christmas tree fires (cooking fires and heating related fires are 1&2) they are more likely to be serious and lead to fatalities than other causes.

Here are some tips for keeping your festive house safe this holiday season:

-If you are getting a real tree choose a tree with fresh needles that don’t fall off when you touch them. Dry trees are more of a fire risk so make sure you water them on a daily basis.

-If your tree is artificial make sure your tree is labeled by the manufacturer as fire retardant.

-Make sure that the tree is at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, lights or candles. Avoid putting the tree in front of an exit.

-Replace any strings of burned-out lights or ones with worn cords. Make sure that the lights you are using say for indoor use.

-Turn off your Christmas lights when you leave home or you go to bed.

Post Christmas removal

-Make sure you properly dispose of your tree when Christmas is over or when it dries out. Dry trees are a major fire hazard and shouldn’t be left in your garage or placed just outside your house. Check out your local community for organizations or groups who will pick up your trees and take them away.