Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Christmas trees are a fun way to celebrate the holiday season, but they can be quite the fire hazard as they dry out. Here are some great Christmas tree safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association. Between 2014 and 2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires from Christmas trees -- don't be one of them!

• Pick a tree that looks fresh and has green needles that don't fall off when touched.
• Before you put the tree in your stand, cut off the bottom 2 inches of the trunk.
• Make sure you place your tree at least three feet from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Don't block any exits with your tree.
• Add water to your stand as soon as your tree is in it, and water it regularly throughout the season.
• Use proper Christmas tree lights -- don't use lights made for other purposes to light your trees. If any of the light strings look worn or broken, replace them. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Turn off Christmas tree lights before you leave home or go to sleep.
• After Christmas or when the tree is dried out, remove the tree. Dispose of the tree properly (call your local waste management agency to inquire) and don't leave it leaned against your house or in your garage once it's dried out.

Happy holidays!