Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and by keeping a few safety tips in mind, you can keep it that way.

"Everyone is getting ready for the Christmas season," shared Fire Chief, Dale Feser. "They're setting up Christmas trees in the home. A lot of people use artificial trees and with artificial trees, a lot of the newer ones that are purchased are made with flame-resistant and fire retardant chemicals. Unfortunately, that's not the case with real trees."

Real Christmas trees do add a lot to the ambiance of Christmas decorating but if you want to keep your tree looking good, and prevent a house fire, Feser shared that you need to keep it adequately watered.

"Once the trees become dry, they become an extreme fire hazard."

He also shared the following safety tips to keep you safe this holiday season:

  • Choose a tree with lush green needles that do not fall off when touched 
  • Before setting up the tree, cut off 2 inches from the base of the tree to allow the tree to absorb as much water as possible
  • Keep the Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from all heat sources such as a fireplace, radiators, candles, heat vents, lights, or secondary heat sources
  • Make sure the tree is not blocking any exit 
  • Add water to the tree stand daily
  • Once Christmas is over, dispose of the tree at a designated drop off point
  • Choose decorations that are fire resistant 
  • Keep candles away from anything flammable 
  • Only use indoor light indoors and outdoor lights outdoors due to the fact that outdoor lights give off more heat and indoor lights aren't designed to withstand the cold
  • Replace broken or burnt out lights and cords 
  • Don't overload extension cords and other cords of lights
  • Use clips not nails to attach lights
  • Be careful on ladders when putting up lights on your home