Christmas Tree Safety For Montgomery County, MD

Simple Christmas Tree Safety Tips for Montgomery County, MD

To help keep you safe this holiday season, we offer some Christmas tree safety tips for you and your family.

Picking The Tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing The Tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting The Tree

• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to light the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
• Check with our local community to find a recycling program.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and to make them last longer.

Facts

• One quarter of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four of the fires.