By Staff Sgt. But, believe it or not, DoD safety officials have tips they insist are better than mine. Christmas trees are central to many families' holiday celebrations and yet can be among the most dangerous.
Dry trees are an extreme fire hazard.
Only a few needles should fall when you shake a fresh tree, and needles should bend but not break. Keep your tree outside in a bucket of water until you're ready to decorate. Before bringing it inside, cut a two-inch diagonal slice off the bottom and keep water in the stand. Keep your tree out of traffic areas and at least three feet from heat sources and fireplaces. It's easy to assume that your lighted decorations are OK this year because they worked when you put them away last year.