As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. Based on statistics by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) one of every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical failures while one in every six fires are caused by a heat source too close to the tree. Follow these safety tips to ensure you and your family have a safe holiday season;
1. Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
2. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
3. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
4. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
5. Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
6. Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor
or outdoor use.
7. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no
more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read
manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
8. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
9. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.