NFPA Public Education Division • 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169
Your Source for SAFETY Information
www.nfpa.org/education ©NFPA 2016
FACTS
•
One quarter of home Christmas
tree fires are caused by electrical
problems.
•
Although Christmas tree fires
are not common, when they do
occur, they are more likely to be
serious.
•
A heat source too close to the
tree causes roughly one in every
four of the fires.
Christmas Tree
Safety
As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small
fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
After Christmas
Get rid of the tree after
Christmas or when it is dry.
Dried-out trees are a fire
danger and should not be
left in the home or garage,
or placed outside against the
home.
Check with your local
community to find a
recycling program.
Bring outdoor electrical
lights inside after the
holidays to prevent hazards
and make them last longer.
PICKING THE TREE
• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not
fall off when touched.
PLACING THE TREE
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the
base of the trunk.
•
Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from
any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles,
heat vents or lights.
•
Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water
daily.
LIGHTING THE TREE
• Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing
laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or
outdoor use.
•
Replace any string of lights with worn or
broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read
manufacturer’s instructions for number of light
strands to connect.
•
Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree
lights before leaving home
or going to bed.
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