How to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires

With all the holiday stress you may already have, the last thing you need is a Christmas tree going up in flames as you carve your holiday ham. That's sure to be a damper on any party. According to police, fires during the holiday season claim the lives of more than 400 Americans, have caused at least 1,650 injuries and cost more than $990 million in damages every year. 

Here are some tips from Montgomery County Police on how to avoid a Christmas tree disaster:

• Use a reservoir-type stand to display your tree to minimize needle loss and keep your tree fresh. Make sure to use a stand that can hold enough water to keep serve your tree. A general rule of thumb is 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. 
• Use a stand that fits your tree. Avoid screwing through those layers to make the tree fit. The outer layers of the tree absorb water most effectively. 
• Keep your tree away from any source of heat. This includes: fireplaces, heaters, heat vents and direct sunlight. When decorating, try to put lights that produce low heat to minimize drying. A cooler atmosphere will slow the tree's drying process and minimize water consumption. 
• Check the water level in your stand to assure it does not go below the base of the tree. 
• Don't overload your electrical circuits.
• Throw out your tree once it's dry.
• Do NOT burn any part of the tree in a fireplace or wood stove. 

Consider recyclying your tree after the holidays. Montgomery County will be collecting live trees from Monday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Feb. 4. You can also recycle through the local Freecycle Network Group. Here are some more tips to have a green holiday.