Christmas Tree Safety

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Christmas Tree Fire

Edgewater and Anne Arundel County has seen it’s share of tragedies caused by Christmas tree fires.  As your family decks the halls this holiday season, SERVPRO of Edgewater / Deale-Churchton / Lothian  encourages you to consider the following Christmas tree safety tips.

Selecting your Christmas Tree. Pick a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Setting up 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 and be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree.  Use lights that have the label of a recognized 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 decorate the tree.  Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Additionally, after Christmas, get rid of your tree! Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.  Christmas trees must be free from all lights, ornamentation and tree bags in order to be picked up by Anne Arundel County Waste Management. Only natural trees will be collected and tall trees should be cut in half in order to fit into the collection truck.  Click here for more information on Anne Arundel County Yard Waste.