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Christmas Tree Safety Tips: What Associations Recommend

Putting up a Christmas tree in your house this year? Be smart and safe. Check out this fire-safety advice from around the association space.

With all the recent reminders about fire safety filling the news—particularly in California—it’s worth remembering a fire risk that hits a lot closer to home for millions of people this time of year: the Christmas trees adorning living rooms around the country. To keep your home and family safe this holiday season, associations are offering up a  few tips:

Pick a fresh tree. According to the American Christmas Tree Association, trees that are vibrantly green are the way to go, as they’re less likely to catch fire. “The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily,” says ACTA.

Artificial doesn’t mean you’re safe. Artificial trees come with their own problems, especially if they’re designed with built-in lighting—which is why Underwriters Laboratory (UL) has certifications for prelit trees over 30 inches tall. ACTA emphasizes that with any kind of Christmas lighting—indoor or outdoor—you should ensure that the lights are certified by a testing lab like UL.

Check your lights. Even if your lights have been certified, they could still pose a fire risk.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacing any lights that have broken cords or loose bulbs.

Skip the open flames. Candles cast a warm holiday glow, but the Insurance Council of Texas warns [PDF] that they should be kept away from trees and suggests that consumers consider battery-powered alternatives. NFPA agrees and notes that candles should also never be used to light Christmas trees.

Throw out your tree soon after the holiday. “Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home,” NFPA warns. “Check with your local community to find a recycling program.”

(iStock/Thinkstock)

Ernie Smith

By Ernie Smith

Ernie Smith is a former senior editor for Associations Now. MORE

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