Advice on Keeping Christmas Tree Safe

Of all the hazards of the holiday season, the fire danger created in the home by the presence of a dry Christmas tree is perhaps the greatest, safety experts say.

But the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said the danger of a Christmas tree fire can be minimized.

One of those precautions should be carried out before the tree is purchased: Strike the butt of the tree sharply against the ground. A shower of needles means the tree has already dried out.

Other tips include:

- Before placing the tree in water, make a fresh cut at the trunk to expose new wood for better water absorption.

- Keep the water reservoir of the tree stand full. A fresh tree can drink several gallons of water in the first few days in the home.

- Never place a tree near a fireplace, radiator or other heat source. Keep the room cool to minimize drying.

- Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Discard any damaged lights or repair before usage.

- Use no more than 3 standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

- Never use lighted candles on or near a tree or other evergreens.

- Don’t burn Christmas greens in your fireplace. The sparks they throw are a dangerous fire hazard.

- Plan for safety. Always look for and eliminate what common sense tells you is a potential danger.

There is one other important safety tip that buyers of Christmas trees should consider, according to the Safety Commission--keep the tree fresh as long as possible and reduce fire hazard by spraying the entire tree thoroughly with an antidessicant (anti-drying agent).

One such agent, Safer’s ForEverGreen, is billed as being nontoxic, nonflammable and biodegradable.

This antidessicant extends the life of holiday foliage by helping to retard water loss, the manufacturer says. When sprayed on a plant, it forms an invisible protective coating over the surface of the leaves or needles, sealing in the moisture and preventing the loss of valuable fluids that causes foliage to shed.