Christmas Tree: If you buy a live tree, be sure to get the freshest as possible. The needles should be firm and the sticks hard to crack. The trunk should still be sticky with resin. Do not place a tree (live or fake) directly next to a fireplace or heat. The tree can’t take the direct heat! Of course, check often to make sure there is adequate water in the tree!
Using the proper outlet for all lights is important. You want your lights to shine, not sparks to fly! Your source of power should come from a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This type of outlet will shut the circuit down if there is overcurrent. If you don’t have a GFCI outlet, a qualified electrician can permanently install one outdoors for holiday seasons to come. And for fireplace…be sure to clean that fireplace and chimney before you light the fire!
Put cords in low traffic areas. Be sure to tape them down, wrap them together, or somehow anchor them to avoid tripping hazards. Just take the extra time to follow a few safety tips to ensure a safe holiday season for you and your family!