12/06/2012
12 Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Lights, decorations, and toys are a wonderful part of the holidays. Here are expert tips to ensure that your family's holiday season is happy, healthy and hazard-free.
1) Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over. Screw the stand to a piece of plywood it you need more stability.
2) When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
3) Throw away any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords.
4) Keep trees away from heavy traffic so it won't be bumped into.
5) Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
6) Make sure the tree is at least three feet (one meter) away from any heat source and try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
7) Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
8) Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.
9) Avoid placing paper ornaments on tree lights. Over time, the bulbs can become hot enough to light thin paper ornaments on fire.
10) Glass and irreplaceable ornaments should be placed higher on the tree out of reach of little hands.
11) Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.
12) Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage, or placed against the house.
If you have or might be visited by young children, you need to take special precautions to make sure they're safe. Remember that several holiday-associated plants like mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous to small children and pets. Be sure to keep the plants up high where curious snoopers can't reach.
