Christmas Tree Safety Tips For Inside, Outside Your Murrieta Home

MURRIETA, CA—When it comes to Christmas tree safety, common sense is the rule of the day. "Don't overload extension cords, and do water your tree regularly," the department shared over social media.

Those tips, and more, come from Murrieta Fire and Rescue and the National Fire Protection Association. They offer essential safety tips that can keep your family safe during the holidays.

• Always use safe tree lights. (Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.) Larger tree lights should also have some reflector rather than a bare bulb.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for using tree lights. Do not use a string of lights with worn, frayed, broken cords or loose bulb connections.
• Check your light strands to determine the number of strands that may be connected. No more than three strands of push-in bulbs should be connected, and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.
• Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree; place them away from tree branches.
• Give live trees plenty of water daily to keep them as moist as possible. Do not purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
• Check for fresh, green needles when purchasing a live or cut tree.
• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, be sure it is fire-retardant.
• Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them around the tree, and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
• Store matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cabinet.
• Ensure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces and radiators. Position the tree near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances.
• Please do not place the tree where it may block exits.
• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in a house or garage or placed against the house. Instead, take advantage of the tree recycling opportunities offered in your neighborhood.

"Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one."