Health Tip: Prevent a Christmas Tree Fire

(HealthDay News) — Christmas trees may be bright and merry, but they can pose a fire hazard if you’re not careful.

The National Fire Protection Association offers these suggestions to help prevent holiday tree fires:

Choose an artificial tree that’s labeled fire-retardant.
If opting for a live tree, select one with needles that are green and fresh and do not fall off easily. Get rid of the live tree as soon as it dries out.
Cut an inch from the base of the tree before placing it in the stand, and make sure the stand contains water.
Trees should be placed at least 3 feet away from any source of heat, such as radiators, candles, fireplaces, heating vents or lights.
Never light a tree with candles.
Choose lights certified by an independent testing lab, and replace any strands with broken or loose bulbs. Don’t connect too many strands together.
Turn off Christmas lights when you aren’t at home and when you go to bed.