Christmas movies have been playing for weeks. While I have many favorites, whenever I go buy my Christmas tree I always think about National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  There are so many funny scenes surrounding the tree: the Griswold’s looking for the perfect tree, the tree being too big for the living room, a squirrel being in the tree and the tree catching fir

Below are tips for caring for your tree and also some fire safety that Clark Griswold could have benefited from.

1.       The fresher the tree, the less likely it will pose a fire hazard. Look for flexible needles that don’t break, and a trunk with sap.

2.       When deciding on the location for the tree in your home, make sure to keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles and even a TV.

3.   Place the tree in water as soon as possible.  Check the water daily to make sure that the water does not go below the base of the tree.

4.   When placing lights on the tree use low energy, safe lighting that has been certified by safety testing labs.

5.   Attach only 3 maximum strings of lights to any extension cord.  Place the cords along the walls to prevent a tripping hazard. Never put the cords under rugs or carpets.

6.   Always turn off the lights at night when going to bed.

7.   Once a tree becomes dry it is not safe it is time to get rid of it.

8.   Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and make sure everyone knows its location and how to use it.