Holiday Fire Safety

Christmas Trees | Candles | Entertaining/Cooking | Decorating | Chimneys

Christmas Tree Safety

Christmas trees, although a beautiful symbol of the season, can prove dangerous (even deadly) if not cared for properly. Lights, cords and plugs are the leading causes of Christmas tree fires. Electrical arcing, alone, accounted for 34% of the 370 Christmas tree-caused fires in 1999.

Selecting a Tree

• Always choose a freshly cut tree. When picking out a tree, strike the stump down on a firm surface; if needles fall off, the tree is too dry.
• Once your tree is home, cut off 1/2 to 1-inch of the stump before placing it in the stand. Fill the stand with water immediately.
• Beware that your tree could absorb as much as a gallon of water the first day. Check your tree's water and refill it often.

Safety Tips

• Decorate your Christmas tree with safe tree lights and non-combustible decorations. Some lights are not made for indoor use and should not be put on Christmas trees. If you are using larger tree lights, be sure a reflector is placed around each light, rather than a bare bulb.
• All lights should be listed by a testing laboratory, (i.e., UL or FM Approved)
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions on proper use of tree lights. Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should be discarded immediately.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits or creating an "octopus" with too many cords.
• Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
• Never use lit candles to decorate your tree. Place all decorative candles far from tree branches & other flammable Christmas decorations.
• Keep your tree well-watered.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand that won't tip over easily.
• If you will be purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-resistant.
• Keep watch over children around Christmas trees; never let children play with wiring or lights. Keep all matches and lighters in a locked cabinet, far from children's reach.
• Keep your tree and all other flammable materials at least three-feet away from heat sources.

Discarding Your Tree

• Dispose of your tree immediately when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house, garage, or leaning against the outside of the house.
• Tree recycling has become more wide-spread; check to see where facilities exist in your area.
• NEVER burn your tree in a fireplace. Christmas tree branches put off a large amount of heat and could cause a fire. Christmas trees also cause oily soot which may damage your fireplace.