Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Follow these basic safety guidelines to help prevent electrical and fire hazards related to the use of Christmas trees.

• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness.  A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree.
• Cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk immediately before placing the tree in the stand and filling with water to ensure water absorption.
• Because heated rooms dry out live trees rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water by refilling daily.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”  This label indicates that the tree is more resistant to burning.
• Don’t use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings.
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources, including fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.
• When trimming a tree, only use non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.