The Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department, in partnership with the U.S. Fire Administration, released information on safe care of Christmas trees during the holidays.
According to U.S. Fire Administration, hundreds of Christmas trees catch fire each year, usually due to shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches. Trees that are watered regularly, and not dried out, are "not a problem," according to the USFA tips.
U.S. Fire Administration recommends choosing live Christmas trees that have been freshly cut. Indicators of fresh trees include green needles that don't break off, and a trunk that has a sticky surface.
One way to check for a fresh tree, according to the U.S. Fire Administration tips, is to bounce the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has probably dried out.
Other safety tips for keeping live Christmas trees safe include:
• cutting a couple inches from the tree trunk and immersing it in water
• placing trees away from heat sources, fireplaces and heating venting
• not keeping trees inside for more than two weeks
• not using frayed or cracked electrical wires or decorations
• discarding of dry trees promptly, at a recycling center or community pick-up
County fire officials also reminded homeowners to have working smoke alarms on every level of each home, and to test alarms monthly and replace batteries once a year.