Christmas Tree Safety

Safety Tips for Natural Cut Christmas Trees

The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department would like to offer the following safety tips for natural cut Christmas trees:

• Support Stand:

  The stand should be stable enough to hold the tree upright and securely and is of the adequate size to avoid tipping over the tree.
• The stand should be able to hold a two-day minimum supply of water and cover at least two inches of the tree’s trunk. A 6½ to 10 foot tree should have a stand that has a capacity of 1 gallon.

• Butt Cut:

  Prior to setting up the tree, make a fresh diagonal cut at least 1 inch above the original cut.

• Watering:

  Trees that have not been treated with a flame retardant should be sprayed with water prior to setting up.
• Use hot water when first filling the support stand. The water level should be at least 2 inches above the butt of the tree and should not go below the butt of tree. If the water level goes lower than the butt of the tree it should be removed immediately or another 1 inch diagonal cut made.
• The typical daily water evaporation amount for a 6½ to 10 foot tree is ¼ to ½ gallons.

• Daily Dryness Test:

  Test for dryness daily. Stand in front of a branch, grasp it with reasonably firm pressure and pull your hand toward you, allowing the branch to slip through your grasp. If the needles fall off readily, the tree does not have adequate moisture content and should be removed immediately.

• Decorating:

  Candles and open flames should NEVER be used on or near a tree within a distance equal to the height of the tree.

• Electrical Outlets

  : Do not over load electrical outlets. Use power strips. Use appropriate size extension cords.

• Smoke Detectors:

  Do a monthly test.
• Electrical decorations used on the tree should be approved by an independent testing facility and listed.