Safety First! How to Choose, Decorate, and Care for your Christmas Tree

After Thanksgiving, the fake or real Christmas tree debate is about as contentious as the black/blue or gold/white dress debate of 2015. Many people have strong feelings and beloved traditions associated with how they deck their halls each Christmas. Some people can’t imagine not having the piney scent of a real tree filling their home, while others love the convenience of an artificial tree. The most important thing to remember is safety, whatever side of the debate you fall into.

Electrical safety is a concern whenever you are dealing with anything, but real trees tend to have more potential dangers than artificial ones.

How to Pick the Right Tree

The perfect Christmas tree….  Unlike in the movies, most of us don’t find our Christmas trees on a beautiful snow-covered mountain, but we still need to pick our tree each year carefully. The National Fire Protection Association recommends finding a tree whose needles do not fall off when touched and are a fresh, green color.

How to Decorate your Tree for Safety

White lights? Color lights? Popcorn strings? Cranberries? This is the fun part! To be safe:  do not use real FLAME candles to decorate the tree, and keep the tree away from any open FLAMES or heat sources. Furthermore, ensure any electrical lights used have been inspected by an independent safety company, such as UL, and are safe for indoor use.

How to Take Care of Your Tree

Remember to keep your tree freshly watered! According to the NFPA, water should be added every day. Dry needles are much more of a fire hazard than fresh ones. And, turn off the lights on the tree at night when you go to bed and whenever you leave the house.

For more information about electrical safety this Christmas, contact FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical!