Safety Tips

Remember the following tips when setting up your Christmas tree:

• Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.
• A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree. To check for freshness, remember:
  • A fresh tree is green.
  • Fresh needles are hard to pull from branches.
  • When bent between your fingers, fresh needles do not break.
  • The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin.
  • When the trunk of a tree is bounced on the ground, a shower of falling needles shows that tree is too dry.
• Place tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Heated rooms dry trees out rapidly, creating fire hazards.
• Cut off an inch or two of the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. Trim away branches as necessary to set tree trunk in the base of a sturdy, water-holding stand with wide spread feet. Keep the stand filled with water while the tree is indoors.
• Use only UL approved decorations and lights.
• Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Make sure that the tree is secured against accidental tipping by children or pets.