Christmas Tree Safety

Contact Carl Pierce for all your fire safety needs.

Christmas Tree Safety

The members of the Edgely Fire Department would like to wish you and your family a safe and joyous Holiday Season!

When purchasing a tree, check to make sure needles are not falling out. This is a sign the tree is already dry.
Do not block exits from your home when placing tree.
Be sure there is an operating smoke detector in the room where the tree is placed.
Always cut the bottom of stump to assure absorption of water.
Check water level daily.
Inspect all lights and cords prior to placement on tree.
Use only UL approved lights and cords.
Never leave lights on when unattended.
Keep open flames a minimum of 5 feet from tree at all times
In the event of fire, do not attempt to drag the tree outside your home, exit and dial 911.
Remove tree from your home as soon as signs of drying are evident.
Dispose of your tree properly.

Alternatives to trashing the tree

Trees can be dropped off at Waste Management’s Tullytown landfill for recycling, according to company spokeswoman Judy Archibald. If trees are left at the curb, she said, they will be put in the trash instead of being chipped and recycled.

Turn trees into havens for animals in the winter months by placing the trees outdoors, according to the National Wildlife Federation, which offers a compilation of alternatives to traditional disposal on its Web site, www.nwf.org/.

Carl Pierce can be reached at cpierce@tenhouse.org