Christmas Tree Safety

Ah, the Christmas tree looks so beautiful: green and stately, ornaments carefully placed amid sparkling, twinkling lights. It's hard to believe that this beautiful tree could also be deadly. Every year, in the United States alone, there are more than 200 home fires that can be directly attributed to Christmas trees.

We see their stories on the news, families that have lost everything as a result of one of these fires. And we hear the same comment year after year, "I never thought it would happen to us." A few extra precautions can help you avoid being that unfortunate family this year.

* Don't let your tree dry out. Cut at least one inch off of the bottom of the trunk before you put your tree in its stand. As the wound where the tree was cut dries, the cells begin to shrivel and shrink which prevents them from absorbing water efficiently. By making a fresh cut you reveal fresh cells, facilitating the absorption of water. Christmas trees can use a lot of water. Check the base every day. If it is frequently low, check it twice a day.

* If you set your tree up in a window, use a north or east facing window where it will get less direct sunlight. Keep it at least two feet away from heating vents, too, as the heat will cause the needles to dry out faster. Be careful not to place your tree near a fireplace, space heater or radiator.

* Now that your tree is cut, properly placed and thoroughly watered, it's time to string the lights. If you still have those lights with the big bulbs, consider replacing them with strings of energy efficient mini lights or LED's. Mini lights burn cooler while using less energy, which means less heat to dry out the needles your tree. LED's are even better: they stay cool to the touch. If you choose mini's or LED's, don't string together more than three strings of lights. If you insist on using the big bulbs, be sure there are no more than 50 lights on any outlet. Make sure that your lights have been safety tested and bear the UL seal-the letters UL in a circle.

* If you have to use an extension cord, be sure to check it for nicks before plugging it in. Make sure the sockets are not cracked and there are no loose or exposed wires. If your cord is even slightly damaged, don't that the chance: replace it. Don't try to hide or disguise the cord either. Putting it under a rug, carpet or tree skirt can hide any damage that may occur over the season. It also raises the possibility that the cord will overheat. Make sure your extension cord also has the UL seal.

* Don't leave the lights on when no one is home or when the family has gone to bed. Not only is it pointless to have the tree lit when no one is enjoying it, should there be a problem, no one will know until it is too late. While it is usually ok to just turn them off, why settle for ok. Unplug them for an added measure of safety.

Following these few simple suggestions will help your family enjoy the beauty of the season safely. Happy Holidays.