Celebrate with a live tree – safely

Choose the right tree! Healthy trees have green needles that do not fall off easily and supple, not brittle, branches.

• Water your tree daily, and keep your tree indoors for no more than two and a half weeks.
• Remove the tree immediately if it stops taking water or if needles become brittle or begin to drop.

Light the way to a careful holiday

• Test each strand of holiday lights in an outlet before hanging.
• Inspect strands for frayed wire and bulbs that are cracked, broken or missing.
• Touch each strand to be sure the wire and bulbs are not heating up. Discard any warm strands.

Watch and tend to open flames

• Decorate trees only with ornaments and electric lights, avoiding candles.
• Display candles away from curtains, paper and other combustible items and pets.
• Always extinguish candles when you leave the room, and monitor and trim wicks as you enjoy the candles’ warmth and aroma.
• Use a dish or container designed to catch melted wax.
• Always lock up candles, matches and lighters to protect children.

Maintain your fireplace and smoke detectors

• Before you get toasty in front of a fire, have your fireplace and chimney professionally cleaned.
• Use only aged, hard firewood to start and fuel your fire. Wrapping paper and tree needles and branches burn unpredictably and belong in the trash.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries regularly.

While the holiday rush may keep you busy, taking the time to protect your family and home from fire is a valuable investment, ensuring more happy occasions for years to come.