Tifton Fire Department provides Christmas tree safety tips

TIFTON — The Christmas tree is a staple of the holiday season. To help keep families safe from tree- and decoration-related incidents, Tifton Fire Chief Bobby Bennett and other officials from his department have provided some tips for the public to keep in mind.

The fire department said the first step to picking a tree is choosing one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when someone touches them.

When placing a tree in the home, families are advised to:

— Cut two inches from the tree trunk’s base before putting the tree in the stand;

— Ensure the tree is at least three feet tall and out of the way of any heat source. This includes lights, candles, radiators, heat vents, fireplaces, etc.;

— Do not stand the tree in front of an exit;

— Water the tree stand daily.

When lighting a tree:

— Use lights that have labels from an independent testing laboratory;

— Use lights that are labeled for indoor use;

— Replace any worn, broken or loose-bulbs on light strings;

— Do not decorate the tree with lit candles;

— Always turn off the tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Tifton fire officials also said that, after Christmas, individuals need to make sure to dispose of the tree. When it dries out, it is considered a fire hazard and should not be left in a home, garage or even outside the house. If there is a recycling program nearby, the tree can be taken there.

In addition to disposing the tree, individuals are also advised to bring in outdoor electrical lights to prevent hazards and help them last longer.