For many, a live Christmas tree is an essential part of holiday decor. However, live trees present special fire hazard due to the ease of ignition and rapid fire spread when ignited. Therefore, unless you want to unleash a forest fire in your living room, here are some tips for preventing such fires from our friends at the National Fire Prevention Association;

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use only.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light
strands to connect.
• NEVER use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed

Check out the attached brochure for more info, and be sure to watch the video at the link below to see how devastating a tree fire can be.