Real Christmas Trees Do Not Start Fires
The Facts:
No real Christmas tree has ever started a fire. The risk of fire during the holidays comes from such things as overloaded electrical circuits or placing heat-generating sources too close to other objects. Anything that is dry and flammable – including such things as newspaper, gift- wrap, clothing, paper shopping bags, curtains, and tablecloths – can become a fire hazard if not properly managed.
What You Need to Know:
A fresh tree is a safe tree. As anyone who has tried to start a campfire with green wood knows, fresh limbs resist igniting.
To protect your real Christmas tree from ignition sources, buy it as fresh as possible, add a fresh cut to the trunk and place it in water as soon as possible, then water your tree daily.
To Keep Your Tree From Falling Victim to Fire Sources, Remember the Three Things to Avoid: Heat, Electricity, and Flame:
- Keep your tree away from major sources of heat, such as space heaters, appliances, hot plates, electric blankets, computers or TVs.
- Don’t overload your electrical circuits or extension cords.
- Turn off your tree lights overnight and anytime you leave the house.
- Dispose of light sets that have visible wear and tear; use only UL-approved lights and according to their instructions.
- Don’t use candles or other open flames in, on, or around your tree.
- Don’t allow smoking anywhere near the tree.