Tips for preventing Christmas tree fires this holiday season

1

  • Make sure you choose a tree with green needles. If the needles look brown, that means the tree is dry and likely more flammable. Also give the tree a good shake — if it loses a lot of needles, it’s likely too dry. Trees don’t burst into flames on their own, but when they are dry, it’s a lot easier for them to catch fire.
  • Real trees need to be kept moist and watered at all times. Make sure the water isn’t too cold, which could shock the tree. Add nutrients to the water, like a fully dissolved tablespoon of sugar, to keep the tree healthy.
  • Try using a humidifier to create extra humidity in the room where your tree is located to prevent the tree and its needles from drying out.
  • Keep the tree several feet away from any fireplace or other open flames like a candle.
  • Check the lights you use to decorate your tree. If they look worn out or have frayed wires or cracked lamps, it’s time to get new lights.
  • When you’re not at home, turn off and unplug your Christmas lights. That also goes for when you’re sleeping.
  • Of the 25 to 30 million trees sold in North America every year, about 93% get recycled, according to AccuWeather.

    This post was originally published in 2020.

    Copyright © 2024 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

    You May Also Like
    New footage shows shocking moment Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders and 'girlfriend' are pulled over by cops

    Browns Rookie Shedeur Sanders and Companion Pulled Over by Cops: New Footage Surfaces

    Shedeur Sanders’ attempt to persuade an Ohio police officer was unsuccessful as…
    Ryanair jet from UK crashes into barrier on runway at Greek airport wrecking the Boeing 737's wing

    UK Ryanair plane crashes at Greek airport, damaging wing of Boeing 737

    A Ryanair flight from London crashed into a barrier on the runway…
    Chicago weather forecast Wednesday includes chance for severe storms across area, Flash Flood Warning for Cook, DuPage | Radar

    Severe Storms Likely on Wednesday in Chicago with Flash Flood Warning issued for Cook and DuPage Counties

    CHICAGO (WLS) — An AccuWeather Alert was in effect Wednesday for the…
    Indiana State Police say suspect killed, Chesterton police officer injured in shooting near Hilton Garden Inn

    Identity of deceased man in exchange of gunfire with Chesterton, Indiana police revealed as Joseph Gerber

    In Chesteron, Indiana, authorities have confirmed the identity of a man who…
    REO Speedwagon rocker Terry Luttrell sustains horror crash injuries after falling asleep at the wheel

    Terry Luttrell, former member of the band REO Speedwagon, gets hurt in a serious car accident caused by falling asleep while driving.

    Terry Luttrell of REO Speedwagon is on the mend after surviving a…
    Chicago Mexican-Palestinian community mural vandalized, 2 attacked in Pilsen: victims; leaders call for hate crime investigation

    Vandalism and Attacks on Chicago Mexican-Palestinian Community Mural Spark Call for Hate Crime Investigation

    CHICAGO (WLS) — Artwork meant to be a symbol of peace has…
    Reporter is arrested by ICE while live-streaming from anti-Trump protest

    ICE arrests reporter during live-stream at anti-Trump demonstration

    A reporter live-streamed his own dramatic arrest by ICE while covering an…
    Protest at Dodger Stadium gets underway as immigration agents seen nearby amid reports of more ICE raids in LA County

    Demonstration begins at Dodger Stadium with immigration officers nearby amid news of additional ICE operations in LA County

    LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were observed near…
    Is the Rebel Wilson ‘Bride Hard’ Movie Streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

    Can you watch the movie ‘Bride Hard’ starring Rebel Wilson on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video?

    Here’s some aca-awesome news: Pitch Perfect alums Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp…
    Whoopi Goldberg shocks The View panel by claiming living in US as a black person is as bad as living in Iran

    Whoopi Goldberg stuns The View panel with statement about the challenges of living in the US as a black person compared to Iran.

    During a heated debate on The View, Whoopi Goldberg made a controversial…
    New mugshot released of Boulder terror attack suspect Mohamed Sabry Soliman

    FBI testimony shows Boulder terror suspect used Israeli flags to target victims

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! At a preliminary hearing…
    Border Patrol agents shut down massive drug smuggling tunnel between Tijuana and San Diego

    Massive Drug Smuggling Tunnel from Tijuana to San Diego Shut Down by Border Patrol

    NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! U.S. Border Patrol agents…