Tree Safety
• Never use candles as decorations.
• Keep tree away from heat.
• Never use a cut tree in a place of public assembly (apartment or hotel lobbies, restaurants, etc.).
• Water a cut tree daily.
• Use a "non-tip" style tree stand.
• Use only fire retardant decorations.
• Never leave a lit tree unattended.
• Dispose of your tree properly, soon after the holiday before needles dry out.
• Artificial trees should have a fire retardant label.

Lights
• Unplug all lighting before retiring for the evening or leaving the house.
• Blow out candles before leaving the room.
• Don't leave candles burning unattended.
• Purchase lights and electric decorations which are listed by an approved testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
• Check all lighting for frayed wires, broken plugs, sockets, etc.
• Never overload outlets.
• Use no more than three strands of lights on a single extension cord.
• Never use candles on trees, near live or other flammable decorations.
• Never hang lights on a metallic tree.
• Always use appropriate weatherproof lights outdoors.

Information on this page courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services