Holiday Safety

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires Special fire safety precautions need to be taken when keeping a live tree in your house. Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. 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. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of a tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

Holiday Lights

• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
  
  
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Make sure to periodically check the wires - they should not be warm to the touch.

Holiday Decorations

• All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat sources.
  
  
• Placing discarded wrapping paper into a fireplace can result in a very large fire, producing sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

Candle Safety

• Avoid using lighted candles if possible.
  
  
• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked over.
  
  
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
  
  
• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.
  
  
• Never put candles on a Christmas tree.
  
  
• Always keep candles clear of all combustible materials. Never place candles underneath materials.
  
  
• Extinguish candles after each use.
  
  
• Never leave burning candles unattended!

The Cabarrus County Fire Marshal's Office appreciates you taking the time to review these important fire safety tips. If you would like to request more information or speak with a representative please contact our office at 704-920-2143 Monday through Friday (8 am to 5 pm).