Don’t let this happen to you! On average, fire departments respond to 210 structure fires a year caused by Christmas trees. Take all the precautions necessary this Christmas so this won’t happen during your holiday season.
Listed below are a few Christmas tree safety tips:
- Make sure your tree is fire retardant and has the proper label/certification on it. If you have chosen a fresh tree, make sure the needles are green and do not fall off when you touch them.
- Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet from any heat source (fireplaces, space heaters, etc.).
- Use lighting that is UL listed to decorate your tree. Plug in the lights directly into a wall outlet if possible; if not, use surge protected extension cords.
- Always turn off your Christmas lights before leaving your house or going to bed.
- After Christmas, don’t forget to throw your tree out (if you went with a live tree). If the needles on the tree fall off when you touch them, it’s time to get rid of it.
Do you have any tips you'd like to share? Visit the Speaking of Safety blog to get involved.
This post appears in “Speaking of Safety blog,” a two-way communication tool created to increase communication among LLUH safety coordinators and the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.