Christmas Tree Safety

Important Tips
Please consider the following tips when purchasing a Christmas Tree:
  • A real tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground.
  • Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help absorb water.
  • Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
  • The tree stand should hold at least 1 gallon of water and be the proper size for the tree base.
  • A 6' tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days.
  • Mix a commercial preservative with the water.
  • Check the water level every day.
  • Secure the tree to prevent it from tipping.
  • Keep the tree away from all flames and heat sources.
  • Before decorating the tree, the first step should be to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions concerning installation and maintenance of the electrical decorations.
  • Consider using miniature lights, which have cool-burning bulbs.
  • Before plugging in newly purchased electrical decorations, or those you have used previously, carefully inspect each decoration. Cracked sockets, frayed, loose or bare wires, and loose connections may cause a serious electric shock or start a fire.
  • Always unplug a light string or electrical decoration before replacing light bulbs or fuses.
  • Don't mount or support light strings in any way that might damage the cord's wire insulation.
  • Check the manufacturer's instructions on your electrical decorations to determine the maximum number of decorative lights (light strings) and decorations that may be connected together. If the product packaging does not indicate the number of light strings that may be connected together, practice this rule of thumb: do not connect more than three light string sets together.
  • Don't overload extension cords: it could cause the cord to overheat and start a fire.
  • Don't allow children or pets to play with light strings or other electrical decorations. These decorations aren't toys and could produce a deadly electric shock if they are misused.
  • Turn off the Christmas lights and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Never use candles, even on artificial trees.
  • Clean the tree stand to improve the tree's water intake, use one cap-full of bleach to a cup of water.
  • Dispose of the tree properly and consider recycling your tree.