A real or artificial Christmas tree can be the centerpiece of a home, but dry greenery, damaged light strings, and heat sources can increase fire risk. A few checks when setting up the tree—and every day afterward—help make holiday decorating safer.
Choose a safe location
- Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles, and other heat sources.
- Keep exits, hallways, and doorways clear.
- Use a stable stand sized for the tree, and secure the tree so it cannot tip over.
- Keep the tree out of high-traffic areas where children or pets might pull it down.
Keep a live tree hydrated
Choose a fresh tree with needles that are difficult to pull off and branches that bend rather than snap easily. Cut the trunk as directed by the seller and place it in a stand that holds enough water. Check the water level daily and never let the cut end sit dry. If the tree becomes brittle or sheds needles heavily, remove it promptly.
Inspect lights and cords
Use lights approved by a recognized testing laboratory and follow the product label for indoor or outdoor use. Discard light strings with cracked sockets, frayed wires, loose connections, or broken plugs. Do not overload outlets or connect more strings than the manufacturer allows. Keep cords away from rugs, doorways, and pinch points.
Turn decorations off before sleeping
Switch off tree lights when leaving home or going to bed. Avoid open flames near trees and do not use damaged electrical decorations. Keep matches, lighters, and small breakable ornaments out of children’s reach.
Dispose of the tree promptly
Once needles are dry or the tree starts dropping them heavily, remove it from the home. Use your community’s recycling or collection service rather than leaving a dried tree in a garage or beside a building. Never burn a Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.
Review the National Fire Protection Association’s holiday fire-safety advice and CPSC holiday safety guidance. Always follow the instructions supplied with lights and decorations.
Image credit: Tessa Rampersad / Unsplash.
