Tree Safety Check

• Needles should be hard to pull back on the branches
• Needles should not break off easily
• Have a fresh cut made when purchased, to allow water to be absorbed by the tree
• If needles are falling off the tree, it may be dry, resulting in a fire hazard and the tree should be discarded. (Recycled appropriately)
• Do not place near a heat source to include fireplaces, heater vents, space heaters, or candles
• Keep your tree watered at all times
• Ensure your decorations are nonflammable or treated with retardant
• Use only UL tested lighting, ensure wires and plugs are in good condition
• Do not leave lights on unattended

Watching the Christmas tree burn so quickly is a true reminder of how fast disasters can happen. Are we preventing a tree from burning and taking the home with it? We would like to think so. Most important; what are you gaining from it?

Be aware of your everyday surroundings, hazards in your home, being prepared for natural disasters, and most importantly making sure your family knows what to do in an emergency. It’s so easy to be complacent, so take the time to look around and ask your self “Do I know what to do in an emergency, does my family know what to do?” Being prepared will aid in your family's recovery should a disaster occur.