If you decide to purchase an artificial tree, only buy one with a label that reads, "fire resistant." Although any artificial tree can catch on fire, a "fire resistant" tree will not catch fire easily, and will extinguish quickly.
If your choice of a Christmas tree is a fresh, live tree, be sure to keep these safety tips in mind as a real tree can be a fire hazard:
- Take care in the selection of your tree and look for:
- Fresh trees that are a healthy color
- Tree trunks that are sticky with sap
- Needles that are healthy, not dry or falling off in abundance
- When ready to decorate, cut off about two inches of the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand.
- Stand your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.
- Never place lighted candles on a tree or place the tree near any flammable materials.
- Only use indoor lights on your indoor tree. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.
- Don’t use more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid a tripping hazard. Do not run cords under rugs.
- Check the tree daily for water. Keep the stand filled with water.
- Turn off the tree lights before going to bed and whenever you leave the house.