With the holiday season fast approaching, many Rockville residents will be buying real trees to decorate their homes. What those residents might not know is that holiday tree fires can be deadly. If you’re a “real tree” person, here are a few tips from Common Voices (fire advocates.org) to keep you and your loved ones safe.
- If you get a live tree, make sure it’s fresh. Needles should be green and springy to the touch.
- Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the trunk before placing the tree in the stand. A fresh cut allows the tree to absorb water. Place the tree in water right away.
- Fill the tree stand with water every day.
- Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like floor vents, fireplaces, radiators, candles or lamps.
- Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit.
- Always turn the tree lights off or unplug them before going to bed or leaving your home.
- Use lights that are approved by a national testing organization like UL.
- Replace lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can safely connect. Make sure you are using the right lights for indoors or outdoors.
- Remove your tree immediately after the holidays even if you think it is not dry.
For more information about keeping your home safe from fire, visit www.fireadvocates.org.