The holidays are a time for fun and family. To ensure things stay cheery and bright for your family this Christmas season, the Crookston Fire Department has these safety tips for your Christmas tree. “If you have a live tree keep it water and away from heat sources, with an artificial tree make sure it’s labeled as fire resistant,” says firefighter Shane Heldstab. “Check your light cords for excessive wear and never leave the house or go to sleep with the tree lit. By the numbers, one in four Christmas tree fires are caused by the tree being to close to a heat source and one in three are caused by electrical problems.”
Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garage or placed outside against the home.
PICKING THE TREE
Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
PLACING THE TREE
Before placing the tree in a stand, cut 2” from the base of the truck.
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand daily.
LIGHTING THE TREE
Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to use.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Use no more than three light strands per extension cord.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. One in 31 home fires involving Christmas trees results in death.
