Christmas Tree Safety Tips (1)

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

17 Dec 2007 10:59 AM

Each year, there are many accidents that involve a Christmas tree. Do you know what you need to do to protect your family and your home? Check out these Christmas Tree safety tips. They will help to make sure that your holiday season isn't spoiled by a mishap.

Can you guess how many fires involve Christmas trees in just one holiday season? There are nearly 400 residential fires that can be traced back to a real Christmas tree, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). Sadly, those fires result in 40 deaths and 100 injuries each year.

Dry trees are the most hazardous. Try to select the freshest tree possible. Look for one that is healthy and green. Spruce and pine trees should have needles that bend and not break. They should be hard to pull off of the branches. If you are choosing a fir tree, pull off a needle (which should not be easy to do) and try to break it. It should snap in half like a crunchy piece of celery or carrot.

Check the trunk of your tree for sap. If there is sap present and a sticky trunk, then the tree is still healthy.

When you get your tree home, cut off at least two inches at the trunk, and put the tree in water immediately. The stand should be sturdy and always filled with water.

Place your tree away from heat sources, such as a radiator or baseboard heat. And a tree near the fireplace, while it looks lovely, is a fire hazard.

Make sure your tree doesn't block the normally pathways and flow of foot traffic through your home. Don't block doorways, stairways or put the tree anywhere that might impede someone from quickly exiting a room or the home.

If you are choosing an artificial tree, make sure it has been tested and is fire resistant. Not all trees are, especially ones you may find at closeout or discount stores. Pre-lit trees should have the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) label on them.

Next up: More Christmas Tree safety tips.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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