Napa Valley's Christmas tree farms and tree lots are all open for business, and many families are bringing home fresh trees to decorate.
Don't let your carefully-chosen fresh Christmas tree become a fire hazard. Observe these safety tips from the City of Napa:
The most important safety factor regarding natural Christmas trees is freshness. The higher the moisture content of the tree, the less likely it is to dry out and become a serious fire hazard.
The following tips will ensure you have the freshest—and the safest—tree possible:
• Select a tree with needles that do not pull easily from its branches or break when gently bent.
• Clean the tree stand with a mixture of one cup water and a capful of bleach.
• Re-cut the trunk diagonally one or two inches above the old cut and immediately place in water.
• Keep the water level in the tree stand above the cut line.
•Consider using a commercial floral preservative in the water.
• Place the tree away from heat sources, being careful not to block the exitways.
• Keep candles and other flames away from Christmas trees.
• Heaters should be turned down or off when leaving the house.
• Check tree lights carefully for damage.
• Do not leave tree lights on unattended.
• Remove the tree as soon as possible after the holidays.
• Never burn a tree in the fireplace or a woodstove.
• After the holidays, keep your tree in a secure location before collection day to prevent arson or vandalism.
For more about Christmas in the Napa Valley, please see:
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