Safety Division

Center for Disease Control

Preserving a Live Tree

Its that time of year when holiday decorations and Christmas trees start to appear. Many trees are freshly cut and have been rushed to the tree lot for purchase. And many are put up right away so that the spirit of the holidays can be enjoyed longer. However, there is a real danger from fire in the tree is not properly cared for. The following list for having a safe tree is compliled from many organizations, and should be followed to ensure a safe holiday at your home or work.

• A fresh tree should not lose green needles when you tap it on the ground, nor should you be able to easily pull needles from the branches.
• Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate, storing it away from sun and wind.
• Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help absorb water and place the tree into its new water-containing stand immediately as sap will start to flow to re-heal the cut.
• The stand should be stable for the size of tree desired and hold at least 1 gallon of water.
• A 6-foot tree will use 1 gallon of water every 2 days, and will probably absorb 1 gallon on the first day alone..
• Recent research suggests that plain tap water is the best. If the tree is to be used commercially, then it must also be treated with a fire retardant per local fire code.
• Check the water level every day. Failure to do so will result in the trunk re-sapping and preventing water from being absorbed. Adding water to a dry tree will not do any good because the re-sapping takes place immedately when dry conditions occur.
• Secure the tree with wire or nylon cord to keep it from tipping.
• Keep the tree away from floor heaters, fire places, or other heat sources.
• Do not place the tree so that it blocks an exit or hallway.
• Use only UL-listed lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together. Set the tree in a location that will allow easy access to the outlet without having to crawl under or reach over the tree.
• Use miniature lights--which have cool-burning bulbs.
• Turn off the Christmas lights when you sleep, or if you leave your home for very long.
• Never use candles, even on artificial trees; and don't use electrical lights on a metal tree.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and dispose of the tree properly when you take it down.

Home Safety

Detectors

• Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the one(s) you have and TEST it.
• Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.

Electrical Decorations

• Use only outdoor lights outside your home.
• Never use indoor extension cords outside.
• Examine light strings each year, discard worn ones.
• Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture build up.
• Connect no more than three strands together and avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.
• Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow.
• Unplug light string before replacing a bulb. Review the original package to verify proper wattage and voltage.
• When connecting light strands, wrap a plastic bag around connections and tie ends with Teflon tape.
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, use colored spot lights.
• Make sure trees hung with X-mas lights are not touching power lines.

Combustibles

• When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles. NEVER use them with a live tree!.
• Place candles in sturdy containers. Remember, hot wax burns kids.
• Extinguish candles prior to going to bed.
• Dispose of fireplace ashes into a metal container until cold.
• After parties, check around and under sofa and chair cushions for smoldering cigarettes. (Provide lots of ash trays)
• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

Click here for extinguisher help Using The Correct Extinguisher
Click here to review the April 2001 Safety Tip



Please make this an enjoyable and safe holiday season.

Maricopa County employees can contact the Safety Office at 602-506-8601 for more information. Other readers with questions concerning fire safety should contact their local Fire Department for more information.