CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS

The snow is falling, the carolers are out and the holiday decorations are everywhere. The joy of the season should not be dampened by the risk of fire. In recent years, nearly 600 fires per year have been started by ignition of Christmas trees in the United States, causing an average of 33 deaths, 112 injuries and $21 million in direct property damage per year, according to the ISU Fire Service Institute.

Christmas trees add a special touch to the holiday season, but they also can be a fire hazard. Here are some helpful tips to reduce the risk of fire:

• Check your tree lights for broken or frayed wires and loose connections.
• Replace non-working light bulbs.
• Avoid decorating Christmas trees with candles.
• Make sure live Christmas trees are fresh. Don't buy trees with brown needles or dry limbs.
• Consider having the tree sprayed with a Fire Marshall-approved flame retardant chemical.
• Give the tree plenty of water. Never let the base holder dry out.
• Don't place the tree near a heat source, open flames and room exits.
• Keep light strings and other electrical decorations out of children's reach.
• Always unplug the Christmas tree lights when you leave or go to bed.
• Don't burn the Christmas tree or package wrappings in a fire place or wood stove.

Keep this holiday season full of life, laughs and memories -- remember to have a fun and safe time. For more information contact your county ISU Extension office or Kimberly Stratton, ISU Fire Service Institute, (515) 294-6817.

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