Houston Fire Department shares safety tips for Christmas trees

The Houston Fire Department is offering safety tips in regard to Christmas tree safety.

According to a press release, the drought has resulted in smaller trees, which means growers have been cutting trees a little earlier than normal and trees might dry out quicker than usual.

Place trees at least 3 feet away from any heat source such as fireplaces, space heaters, candles, heat vents or lights. Also, make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.

Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 12 inches from the base of the trunk and add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree; always use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs, and be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of LED strands to connect. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed, and make sure you have a working smoke detector.

After Christmas, get rid of your tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home.

The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department will embark on its 21st year of Christmas tree recycling after the holiday by providing recycling drop-off sites throughout Houston.

For more information, visit www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/christmastree_recycling.html.