The time has come for Christmas decorating- although if you are like me you have had your decoration up since before Thanksgiving!- and one of the most iconic Christmas decorations is the Christmas tree. Real Christmas trees are still a prominent choice for many homes; they give off a great fragrance and produce a sense of nostalgia. To ensure that your holidays remain a festive time and don’t turn into a horror scene take certain precautions to guard against Christmas tree fires.
• Christmas trees should receive plenty of water to keep fresh longer; the general rule of thumb is 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter.
• Make sure to use a stand that is large enough to hold the appropriate amount of water, and check the water every day to ensure adequate fresh water.
• Keep the trunk cut perpendicular to the stem axis; cutting an angle will limit the amount of water the tree can take up.
• Keep trees away from major heat sources (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents or direct sunlight) to avoid fire danger.
• Check your lights to ensure they are working properly and do not overload circuits to help avoid electrical shorts that may cause a fire.
• Always turn the lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.
• Remove the tree from your house if it becomes dry.
Keeping these pointers in mind this holiday season will help keep your family and home safe, and your holidays more enjoyable! Happy Holidays!