10 Safety Tips for Your Christmas Tree

It’s a Christmas debate that rivals what time to open presents and whether an angel or a star deserves top spot on the tree: Should your Christmas tree be real or fake?

According to The National Christmas Tree Association, most in the United States would say real. More than 33 million real trees were bought last year and real tree purchases outnumbered fake trees by at least 14 million every year since 2007.

But real trees come with real fire and safety risks. So whether you’re ditching your synthetic pine for a true blue spruce or have been visiting the tree farm for years, The City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department recommends these tips to keep you and your home safe:

• A real tree should not lose needles when you tap it on the ground.

•Cut one inch off the tree trunk to help the tree to absorb water.

•Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.

•The stand should hold at least one gallon of water.

•Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping.

•Keep the tree away from floor heater, fireplaces, and other heat sources.

•Use only UL-approved lights and no more than three strands linked together.

•Turn off the lights on the tree before going to sleep or leaving the house.

•Never use candles on the tree, not even on an artificial tree.

•Dispose of the tree properly after the holiday season. NEVER burn the tree in the fireplace.

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