When you buy your tree, have the vendor make a fresh cut an inch from the bottom; this will help the tree drink.
If you buy your tree early and keep it outside, store it away from wind and sun, and keep the bottom in a bucket of water.
Flocked trees are flame retardant; however, use the same safety practices as you would with a live unflocked tree. During holiday use, the flocking can become displaced from the branches exposing dry and brittle needles.
Make sure your lights are safe. If you need outdoor lights, make sure the ones you buy are meant for outdoor use. Make sure your lights carry certification from a testing laboratory.
Unplug your Christmas tree before you leave or go to bed.
Don't buy a tree that is dry and dropping needles. To check for freshness, loosely grip the end of a branch and pull your hand over it. Only a few needles should fall off.
Make sure your tree stand holds plenty of water, and don't let it run out.
If your tree seems wobbly, center it in the stand more securely and redo the bolts or screws.
If your tree stand is too small, buy a larger, stronger one.
If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant.
Keep your tree at least three feet from furnaces, radiators and fireplaces.
Try to position it near an outlet so that cords are not running long distances. Do not place the tree where it may block exits.
Keep a close eye on small children when they are around the tree; many small decorations and ornaments are sharp, breakable and can be swallowed.
When Christmas is over or when the tree starts to drop needles, dispose of it. Don't leave it in your house or put it in your garage.
After your family's celebrations, remove the tree and dispose of it properly. Contact your garbage disposal service to learn the details of their holiday tree removal program.
Candle Safety
Candles should only be used when an adult is present and awake. Never use lighted candles on or near a Christmas tree or other evergreens.
Keep candles at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including other decorations and wrapping paper.
Always use stable, nonflammable candle holders with a hurricane glass to protect the open flame.
Place candles where they will not be knocked down or blown over and out of reach of pets and young children.
If you have children in your home, store candles, matches and lighters out of their sight and reach.
To eliminate the risk of an open candle flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when you combine candles with greenery or other decorations.
Blow out all candles before going to sleep or leaving the room.
Holiday Decorations Safety
Check all tree lights, even if you have just purchased them. Make sure all bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights and a person touching the tree can be electrocuted.
Before using lights outdoors, check the labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. Do not use nails or tacks to secure lights.
Plug all outdoor decorations into circuits with a ground fault circuit interrupter to avoid potential shock.
Turn off all lights when you go to bed.
Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.
Remove all wrapping paper, bags, ribbons and bows from tree and fireplace areas after gifts are opened.
Fireplace Safety
Never burn charcoal or use a hibachi in your fireplace. Both produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Protect against sparks by enclosing a fireplace's opening with glass doors or a sturdy screen.
Never close the flue while a fire is still smoldering as Carbon monoxide can build up.
Never use gasoline, kerosene or lighter fluid to start a fire. Burn only dry, seasoned hardwood.
For extra safety, light fires with long-stemmed matches.
Have your fireplace and chimney inspected annually. They should be properly vented and free of blockages. Have the fireplace cleaned as needed.
Protect the top of your chimney with a guard that keeps out birds and small animals and keeps in sparks that could ignite your roof.
Keep flammables such as newspapers, magazines, rugs and carpeting well away from the fireplace.
Remove holiday decorations from the fireplace and mantle before building a fire to avoid having the decorations ignite.
Teach children to stay back from the fireplace.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Have a fire extinguisher readily available for use.