Keep it safe this holiday- Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Let's face it, a Christmas tree is fun to shop for and decorate. They bring a lot of joy to children and adults. 
Make sure your holidays are safe by following these tips about your Christmas tree. 

• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed.
• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire-retardant.
• If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don’t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2” from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit, and is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights.
• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed 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.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.(should be obvious)
• Be sure to remove your real tree as soon as you notice dry needles. This tells you you probably have too much dust accumulated on it as well. It is time to cover the the tree with a tarp and carry it outside and dispose of it properly.
• After Christmas, remove the tree from your home. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Safe Holidays, Healthy Holidays, Happy Holidays