Over 400 people lost their lives in Christmas Tree fire related
incidents last year. In an attempt to stave off my annual Christmas
Tree safety speech I ask everyone to post this checklist on your
refrigerator door AND give one to each of your neighbors:

1. Don't buy a Christmas Tree that is dry or dropping needles.
Check this by holding the end of a branch while gently pulling your
hand over it. Only a few of the needles should fall off.

2. Request your Christmas Tree vendor to make a fresh cut
approximately one inch from the bottom to help enable your tree to
drink the water you provide it. Make sure your tree stand holds
plenty of water and check it daily to make sure it doesn't run out.

3. If your tree is wobbly redo the setup and be sure it is
centered in the stand and that the bolts or screws are tight.

4. Don't position a Christmas Tree where it may hinder an
emergency exit. Never place your tree within three feet of a furnace,
fireplace, or radiator. Try to avoid using electrical chords that run
long distances by placing the tree near an outlet.

5. Check your lights to make sure they are certified by a
recognized testing laboratory such as UL. Replace any string of
lights that has broken or frayed areas. Never use use electric lights
on a metal tree.

6. Unplug your Christmas Tree before you leave or go to bed.

7. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.

8. When your Christmas Tree begins to drop needles, dispose of it.
Do not leave it in your garage or beside the house.

9. Closely supervise small children around the Christmas Tree.
Many tree decorations are breakable and can be swallowed.