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Fire Smart Christmas Tree Tips

As you decorate your home this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly. The following are a few "Fire Smart" tips:

Picking the tree: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the tree: Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1–2” from the base of the trunk.
Location: Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Also, make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Be sure to add water daily to your tree stand. The first few days are the most important, as your tree will drink a lot of water.
Lighting the tree Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

FACTS:

• One-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
• Each year, fire departments respond to roughly 260 structure fires caused by Christmas trees.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every five of the fires.

Information and Facts by National Fire Protection Agency
NFPA Public Education Division / www.nfpa.org/education