Christmas Tree Safety

• A real tree should not lose green needles
    when you tap it on the ground.
• Cut 1 inch off the trunk to help absorb water.
• Leave the tree outside until ready to decorate.
• The stand should hold at least 1 gal. of water.
• A 6' tree will use 1 gallon of water every two days.
• Mix a commercial preservative with the water.
• Check the water level every day.
• Secure the tree with wire to keep it from tipping.
• Keep tree away from floor heaters, fire places,
    or other heat sources.
• Use only UL-approved lights, and no more than 3 strands linked together.
• 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.
• Clean the tree stand to improve the tree's water intake, use one capful of
    bleach to a cup of water.
• Dispose of the tree properly. NEVER BURN IN THE FIREPLACE.

Home Safety 

• Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the one(s) you have and TEST it.
• Use only outdoor lights outside your home.
• 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.
• Never use indoor extension cords outside.
• 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.
• When using candles, place them a safe distance from combustibles.
• 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)
• Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.
• Have an operable fire extinguisher readily available.

Safety Gift Ideas

Put together a gift basket containing one or more of the following items:

• Three smoke detectors and batteries
• A quality fire extinguisher
• A flashlight and batteries or light sticks
• A first-aid kit
• A carbon monoxide detector
• A mobile phone
• A second floor escape ladder
• Emergency kit with energy bars, water, battery radio, flashlight/light sticks and a first-aid kit packed in a small travel bag.