ASHFORD
Volunteer Fire Department
Proudly serving the citizens of Ashford since 1950!
Fire  •  EMS  •  Rescue
P.O. Box 1 • Ashford, CT 06278 • (860) 429-9862
CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY
CHOOSE WISELY AND CARE FOR YOUR TREE

Trimming the tree is a traditional holiday pastime; however, Christmas trees pose a serious
danger to households if not properly cared for. The Ashford Volunteer Fire Department offers
some tips when selecting and caring for your Christmas tree this holiday season:

  • When purchasing live, cut trees or greens, carefully inspect the needles. If they're brown or
    break easily, the greenery isn't fresh and poses a greater fire risk. Test for freshness by
    bending a few needles in half. If they snap in two, the tree is dry - look for one on which the
    needles spring back to their original shape. When you take your tree home, put it in a sturdy,
    non-tip stand filled with water.

  • Keep live trees supplied with water at all times; dehydrated Christmas trees can catch fire
    more easily.

  • Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any flame or heat source and try to
    position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree
    where it may block exits.

  • Never decorate trees with candles.

  • Inspect electrical lights and extension cords for wear and tear and replace any cords that
    are beginning to fray or have broken sockets; pay special attention to outdoor lights that
    have been exposed to winter weather conditions. To reduce fire hazards and extend the life
    of outdoor decorative lights, bring them inside after the holidays.

  • Avoid cluttering outlets - string no more than three strands of lights together and make sure
    all lights bear the mark of an independent organization such as Underwriters Laboratories
    (UL).

  • When decorating outdoors, use only those lights listed for outdoor use. Unplug all lights -
    inside and out -- before going to bed or leaving home.

  • Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are flammable
    and should not be left inside the home or garage, or placed against the house.

  • Make sure your home is equipped with working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Don't
    forget to install, test and maintain these devices in accordance with the manufacturer's
    instructions.

  • Develop and practice a fire escape plan for your household so overnight guests are familiar
    with your procedures.

Information provided courtesy of the Home Safety Council, www.homesafetycouncil.org.