CHRISTMAS TREE DANGERS
A very popular Christmas tradition in theUnited States is using a real tree during the Christmas season. As beautiful as real trees may be, it is very important to keep it from being a major fire hazard. First, make sure that your tree stays well hydrated. A dry tree is incredibly flammable. And another thing, no matter how picturesque is may be, never put your tree near your fireplace or any other heat source. With a tree next to a fireplace, it is much more likely to catch fire. Putting your tree next to a heat source could make it dry out much faster than intended. Also, to the best of your ability, keep pets, especially cats away from the tree; this could create a falling hazard. And if you decide to go the route of an artificial tree, make sure it is labeled as “fire resistant”.
**Quick Tip: if the needles on your tree are brittle and are easily pulled off, this means that your tree is dry. A fresh tree’s needles are hard to pull out.**