Christmas Tree Safety

Purchasing the tree

Artificial Tree

When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire-Retardant.” Although this label does not mean the tree will not catch fire, it does indicate that the tree will resist burning and extinguish quickly.

Live Trees

When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness:

• The needles are green
• The needles are hard to pull from the branches
• The needles bend between your fingers without breaking
• The lower trunk is sticky with resin
• The tree does not lose many needles when tapped on the ground
• Avoid trees with a greenish cast on the trunks and branches

Setting up the tree

• Keep the tree outdoors for a few days in a bucket filled with water before bringing it indoors to decorate to maximize freshness and minimize fire risks
• Place the tree away from fireplaces, radiators, portable heaters, heater vents, electronics, and electrical equipment
• Cut off about two inches off the trunk to expose fresh wood for better water absorption
• Keep the stand filled with water
• Make another fresh cut in the tree stump if a seal of dried sap forms at the base
• Ensure that your tree stand is large and strong enough for the tree
• Center the tree in the stand securely and position bolts or screws to prevent wobbling
• Place the tree out of the way of traffic and doorways
• Use thin guy wires to secure tall trees to walls or the ceiling

Decorating the tree

Lights

• Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord
• Use only one extension cord per outlet
• Do not run electrical cords under rugs.
• Avoid placing electrical cords behind or beneath the furniture.
• Keep animals away from electrical cords to avoid hazards caused by entanglement and chewing
• Keep cords and lights away from a tree's water supply
• Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house or office
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree
• Position bulbs so that they are not in direct contact with needles or ornaments
• Use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it
• Keep bubble lights away from children

Trimmings

• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials
• Choose tinsel or artificial icicles made f plastic or nonleaded metals
• Avoid the use of spun glass (angel hair) to avoid eye and skin irritation
• Follow directions carefully when using artificial snow sprays to avoid lung irritation
• Use a step stool or stepladder when decorating the tree's higher limbs
• Never use lit candles on an artificial or live tree or near other evergreens
• In houses with small children:
  • Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable
  • Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of reach
  • Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food

Gifts under the tree

• Never place paper-wrapped or paper-bagged gifts near open flames or electrical connections
• Remove all wrapping papers, boxes, and other trash from the tree and fireplace areas immediately after the presents are opened
• Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace

After the holidays

Taking down the Christmas tree is not nearly as much fun as putting it up. The longer the tree stays up, however, the greater the fire hazard it becomes.

• Discard live trees within one month after purchase, or when Christmas is over or the tree begins to drop needles
• Do not store live trees in the house or garage
• Dispose of trees at a recycling center or have yours hauled away by a community pick-up service
• Never burn Christmas trees, evergreen branches, or needs in a fireplace or wood stove

Veolia thanks the Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation and the National Fire Protection Association for the sources of this great safety information.