Safety Facts & Measures

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately one tenth of one percent of residential fires involves a Christmas Tree.
• According to NFPA, fewer than one-one thousandth of a percent (0.001%) of all the Real Christmas Trees enjoyed during the holiday season are involved in a residential fire.
• Christmas Trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other common household items: newspapers/magazines - 13x more likely; boxes/bags - 10x more likely; curtains/drapes - 9 times more likely; linens - 8x more likely; cleaning supplies - 3x more likely; clothing on a person - 2x more likely.
• At NO TIME can a Real Christmas Tree START a fire. Ignition sources are always external.
• Select the freshest-looking Real Tree available. Make a fresh cut across the tree's base and immediately place in water. Keep the tree's water container full at all times, checking the water level daily.
• Be extra careful with electricity as well as open flames and other heat sources during the holidays.
• Check all Christmas Tree lights, other electric decorations and electrical appliances for signs of wear.  Do not use lights, decorations or appliances with worn electrical cords. Use only UL approved electrical decorations and extension cords.
• Place the Christmas Tree away from heat registers, space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, televisions, computer monitors and other heat sources.
• Place the Christmas Tree clear of doors to keep the emergency escape route clear of trees, packages and furniture.
• Unplug the tree lights and other decorations when out of the room or sleeping.

The National Christmas Tree Association was used as a source for all of these facts.