When buying your Christmas tree, be sure to pick a fresh tree. You'll know it's fresh if the needles are firmly attached. When the tree is in your home, keep plenty of water around the base. A dry tree is the source of more than 1,000 home fires every year!

Be bright about lights! Don't use lights with worn insulation, broken plugs and loose sockets. They can cause fires, shocks and even electrocution!

Be careful when hanging several light strings together. You could have an overload situation. Remember, all lighting inside and out, should be turned off before going to bed!

Space Heaters - keep away from curtains, bedspreads, and furniture. Make sure children know they could get burned if they touch one.

Are the stockings hung by the chimney with care? Be especially careful if there's a cozy fire going in the fireplace.

Concerning fireplaces, be sure the opening is covered with a sturdy metal screen or heat tempered glass doors. This reduces the chance of a fire starting from escaping sparks or wood.

When the holidays are over, take the tree down. Everyday it stands in the house, it gets a little drier.

A few facts...

• During the four-year period of 2004-2008, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 260 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually.
• Fortunately, these fires are not common, but when they do occur, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 21 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death.
• 62% of home Christmas tree fires occurred in December; 22% occurred in January. 36% of those occurred on the ten days between December 24^th & January 2^nd

Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights Fact Sheet

This NFPA/UL video demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas tree vs. a tree that has been watered regularly.

Source: NFPA's Fire Analysis and Research Division

These are merely safety suggestions. Please note, all provisions of your policy will determine coverage.

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