Ten tips for making a fire-safe Christmas tree

  • Published
  • By Greg Chesser
  • Fire Prevention Chief
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  Christmas trees are popular decorations for the holiday season. However, from 2000 to 2004, one out of every 22 Christmas-tree fires in homes resulted in a death, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

NFPA recommends making Christmas trees fire-safe using these tips:

-- When decorating a tree, always use lights listed by a testing laboratory. Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb.

-- Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use tree lights. Any string of lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulb connections should not be used. Connect no more than three strands of push-in bulbs and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.

-- Always unplug Christmas-tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

-- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.

-- Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place any lit candles in the room well away from tree branches.

-- Try to keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water daily. Try not to purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles. Check for fresh, green needles. And place your tree in a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.

-- If an artificial tree is purchased, be sure it is labeled as fire-retardant.

-- Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.

-- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces and radiators. Try to position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.

-- Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house, garage or placed against the house.