Holiday Safety

Did you know that fewer than one-thousandth of a percent (0.001%) of the 30 million real christmas trees sold each year in the United States are involved in a residential fire? Don't let this statistic stop you from enjoying the benefits of a real tree.

The following items are much more likely to catch fire than a Christmas tree:

• Newspapers and magazines - 13 times more likely
• Boxes or bags - 10 times more likely
• Curtains or drapes - 9 times more likely

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, these simple steps can further reduce the chance of a fire:

• Never use lights, decorations or appliances with worn or old electrical cords.
• Use only UL-approved electrical decorations and extension cords.
• Unplug tree lights and other decorations when out of the room or sleeping.
• NEVER place your Christmas tree near a source of heat such as a stove, fireplace, or heater.