Holidays are meant to be shared with family and friends to create life-long memories and traditions. Don’t let potential hazards ruin your holiday. According to the National Fire Research Laboratory, “real Christmas trees” account for an average of 200 fires per year. Artificial Christmas trees cause one-third of fires compared to real Christmas trees.

There are many potential hazards surrounding the holiday season. Stay vigilant in your tasks when setting up decorations. From falls to fires, accidents can happen. True story: my father fell from a stepladder at one and a half feet trying to reach Christmas totes stored on top of shelving. He lost he balance as he started pulling the first tote and fell backwards. That one-and-a-half-foot fall resulted in rupturing his spleen and breaking his back. He had his spleen removed and was in a back brace for six months. Again, that was 1 ½ feet!

Tips for Preventing Fires

  • Cut approximately one-half inch off of the base of the real tree before placing in the tree stand and adding water
  • As a general rule, tree stands should provide one quart of water per inch of stem diameter
  • Get the tree into the stand and water as soon as possible, six to eight hours after cut
  • Check the water level daily not letting the water get below the tree base
  • Keep Christmas trees at least three feet away from heat sources especially fireplaces, candles and heat vents
  • Use Christmas tree lights that produce low heat (mini lights)
  • Do not overload the tree with heavy decorations and lights, this makes it easier to fall off balance
  • Always have a fully charged and inspected fire extinguisher available if needed
  • Get rid on the tree as soon as possible after the holiday is over or if it becomes too dry, check your city to see if they have a recycle program for discarding trees
  • Do not have the Christmas tree or decorations blocking an exit
  • Turn off, unplug and extinguish all Christmas tree lights and decorations before bed or leaving, the use of a timer could come in handy
  • Never leave candles unattended or reachable for children

Electrical: Christmas Lights

  • Always use a Ground Fauld Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for any power source like inside and outside lights
  • Inspect all the lights and do not use lights with frayed or damaged electrical wires
  • Test the lights to ensure they work before attaching to the tree
  • Only use inside light inside and outside lights outside
  • Do not string together more than three sets of incandescent lights and never overload electrical outlets. It is important to use the manufacturers recommendations
  • Only use GFCI extension cords designed for outside use for all the outside decorations
  • Indoor extension cords are not weather-resistant which could result in electrical shock
  • Set up barriers around the Christmas tree and decorations if you have inquisitive pets or young children.
  • Always unplug lights when replacing bulbs

Ladder Safety Tips

  • When using a step ladder or an extension ladder, never step on the top 2 steps
  • Never use a staple gun or staples to hang lights, use a hook to support the lights. Staples can penetrate the protective cord and contact live wire
  • Have someone assist by holding the extension ladder to prevent it slipping out
  • Inspect the ladder before use to make sure it is not damaged; check the feet, hinges, steps and frame
  • Use 3 points of contact while climbing a ladder
  • Never reach horizontally to reach something when on a ladder, this could tip it over
  • The extension ladder should extend three feet above the level or roof if exiting the ladder

Have a safe and happy holiday season!


Source: Glenn Dickey, All-Safe Program Manager at AgriSphere Services, LLC, Decatur, IL: gdickey@agrisphere.com – www.agrisphere.com