When buying a Christmas tree, be certain that it is fresh. A fresh, moist tree is more difficult to ignite. That makes it safer. Freshness can be tested in three ways - color, touch and smell. The tree should be dark green. As the tree dries out the needles turn brown and become hard and brittle. Be sure the needles are soft and pliable and that they remain on the tree when it is shaken. Needles don't begin to fall off easily until the tree begins to dry out. The tree should have a full, fresh aroma of chlorophyll. Let your nostrils be the judge. Nothing smells as good as a fresh Christmas tree. To keep a tree fresh keep it in water. Use a tree stand that features a water bowl or trough that keeps the base of the tree submerged at all times. When first placed in a stand, a fresh tree can soak up more than a couple of quarts of water in hours. Slice an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk just before placing the tree in the stand. An old cut fills with pitch and becomes waterproof. Check the tree daily to make sure that the water level remains above its base.
Place the tree away from combustible sources such as the furnace, a fireplace and other things that generate sparks and flames. Make sure that it doesn't block hallways, stairs or exits. Remember, a tree that takes up one-third of the hallway today could take up all of it when in flames.
Be sure to secure your Christmas tree at the top. Toddlers, small children and exuberant pets don't understand the physics of a toppling Christmas tree. Folks in earthquake country should be especially careful to use nylon line or fine metal wire to secure the top of the tree to adjacent walls.
Finally, when possible, try to use decorations that are noncombustible.
Christmas-tree lights: A major reason for keeping your tree fresh and moist is to prevent it from being ignited by tree lights. The direct result of electricity moving in wire is heat. Heat and a dry Christmas tree can cause a fire to occur. Be sure that the lights you use are UL-approved and that the wiring is not cracked or frayed. Make absolutely certain to turn lights off before bed or when the tree will be left unattended. And be sure to avoid "octopus" connections that can overload a circuit.
Portable heaters: A portable heater should always be at least 3-feet away from a combustible surface _ wallpaper, bedding, clothing, yes, and your Christmas tree, too. And don't forget you and your pet also are combustible. Imagine what might happen if you were to fall asleep next to a heater capable of setting you afire. Heaters are made for keeping you warm, not for drying clothes. Also, don't leave a heater on and unattended. As with Christmas tree lights, a heater can be deadly when frayed, split or cracked wires are supplying power to it.
Portable LP gas heaters with self-contained fuel supplies (cabinet heaters) are prohibited from home use by the National Fire Protection Association's safety standards. Before purchasing a kerosene heater, check with your local fire marshal to make it is approved for use in your area. And no matter what type of fuel your particular heater uses DON'T EVER USE A SUBSTITUTE FUEL.
Finally, keep fuel stored in clearly marked approved containers and always let your heater cool down completely before adding fuel.
Fireplaces: To prevent a chimney fire, never burn Christmas wrap (or any large amount of loose paper) and never, never use the fireplace to burn your dry old Christmas tree. Further, it is terribly dangerous to use flammable liquids in a fireplace. Doing so can cause the fireplace to superheat and crack. There is even the chance of an explosion. Keep combustible materials away from the firebox opening and use a screen to prevent exploding embers from ruining your holidays. Most important: Have your fireplace checked by a chimney sweep annually or after burning one chord of wood - whichever comes first.
