Christmas Tree Safety Tips
Keep your Christmas tree safe by placing it at least 3 feet from heat, keeping it watered daily (for real trees), using lights with intact cords, turning them off when away/sleeping, choosing fire-resistant artificial trees, and promptly disposing of dry real trees to prevent fire hazards, while keeping decorations and cords away from children and pets.
Tree Placement & Stability
- Away from Heat: Keep trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, vents, and heaters.
- Clear Exits: Don't block doorways or escape routes.
- Sturdy Stand: Use a stable stand that won't tip over easily.
- Real Tree Care
- Freshness: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don't fall off easily; a dry tree is a fire hazard.
- Water Daily: Keep the stand filled with water to keep the tree moist.
- Fresh Cut: Have 2 inches cut off the trunk base for better water absorption.
- Dispose Safely: Remove dry trees promptly after the holidays and recycle them; don't leave them in the garage or near the house.
- Inspect Lights: Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or cracked sockets; replace damaged sets.
- Indoor/Outdoor: Use only indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside.
- Don't Overload: Connect no more than three strands of mini lights and avoid overloading circuits.
- Turn Off: Always turn off lights when leaving or going to bed.
- Unplug Carefully: Pull plugs by the grip, not the cord, to avoid damage.
Decorations & Kids/Pets
- Fire-Resistant: Buy artificial trees labeled "fire-resistant".
- Safe Ornaments: Use flame-retardant, non-combustible decorations; keep breakables up high.
- No Candles: Never use lit candles on or near a tree; use battery-operated LED ones instead.
- Keep Cords Away: Keep cords and small decorations out of reach of children and pets.
Dahlia, Holiday Decorations, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia USA IMG_1408
Canon PowerShot G11 Camera
Photograph by Roy Kelley
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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