Many people are opting for a live Christmas tree this year. If you do, here are some words of caution from the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department –
First things first – when you go to purchase a live tree, make sure that it is not dried out. Shasta Farrer, Life and Fire Safety Educator, suggests that you hug the tree to make sure it’s worthy of taking home. If the needles fall off of that tree, it is too dry and would pose a fire hazard.
Upon bringing your live tree home, Farrer says to cut about an inch from the trunk to allow water to be absorbed into the tree. Upon putting the tree in the stand, make sure it has plenty of water, urges Linda Patty, RFD Life and Fire Safety Educator.
In addition, make sure to leave plenty of space around the tree. Keep all pets away from it – as best you can. Turning lights off at night and when you are away from home will reduce the chances of your tree becoming a fire hazard, says Patty.