|
| |
Selecting and Caring For Your Christmas Tree
 Selecting a Tree
You basically have two choices
when you choose a Christmas tree: real or artificial. If you select a
metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame-retardant. If you buy a
real tree, your choices—and your responsibilities—are much broader.
Always follow these precautions:
- Select
the freshest-looking tree available. Old trees can be identified by
bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the
tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a fire
hazard.
- Needles
on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches,
and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut.
- The
trunk should be sticky to the touch.
Selecting a Location for
Your Tree
- Place
your tree in an area that is away from any heat source. Heaters,
downdraft of heater vents, wood stoves, fireplaces, large appliances
such as televisions and direct sunlight cause trees to dry out very
fast. Avoiding these locations will also decrease the chance of
accidental ignition.
- Keep
the tree out of high traffic areas and away from stairways and doors.
Keep emergency escape routes clear of trees, packages and furniture.
- Secure
the tree so that it cannot be knocked over by pets or children.
 Tree
Decorating
- Do
not overload your tree with lights. By decorating the tree with a large
quantity of lights, you add a constant source of heat.
- Use
only decorative indoor lights approved by a recognized laboratory. NEVER
use outdoor lights on an indoor tree. Make sure that all connections are
tight and the bulbs and cords are in good condition, not loose or frayed
as to cause a short.
- Never
leave the lights on when leaving the house or going to bed.
- Keep
candles away from Christmas trees. NEVER use candles as Christmas tree
decorations.
- Be
able to turn off the lights without having to crawl under the tree.
Caring
for Your Tree
If
you take proper care of your tree, there is virtually no chance it can catch
fire.
- Do
not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two
weeks.
- Saw
off the butt end of your tree ˝-inch above the original cut and
immediately place the tree in water in a cool place until you are ready
to display it.
- Put
the tree in a stand that is large enough and designed not to tip over.
- Place
the Christmas tree well away from heat registers, space heaters,
fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, television sets or other sources of
heat that will dry out your tree. Also place the tree away from any
doors and keep the emergency escape route clear of trees, packages and
furniture.
- Never
let your tree run out of water; check it daily, as your tree absorbs
water readily after cutting. If you let the tree run out of water,
re-cut the butt end of your tree as above.
- Mist
the branches and foliage with water daily to keep them moist and fresh.
- Lighted
candles or other open flames should never be used on or near Christmas
trees.
- Be
careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
- Check
electric lights and connections. Worn, frayed wires on electric cords
must not be used. Use only UL approved electrical decorations and
extension cords.
- Avoid
use of combustible decorations and flammable reflectors for colored
lights. Keep metal foil icicles or tinsel away from bulb sockets.
- Avoid
accumulating wrapping paper and electrical toys under trees.
- Always
unplug tree lights and other decorations when out of the room or
sleeping.
Disposing
of Your Tree
- When
the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.
- The
best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center
or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
- Never
put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Consider
converting your tree to a bird feeder with suet, peanut butter, and
seeds.
| |
|
