Christmas Tree fire and fall prevention tips

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Christmas tree safety is super important this time of year. Before they become a potential fire hazard in your home, they can cause danger on the highway after you pick it up from the farm!

That's why the first step of Christmas Tree Safety begins with just getting it home safe.

Fire officials have some tips for getting it home safe!

GETTING HOME SAFE

- If you have a roof rack on the top of your car, make sure you secure the tree with twine to the rack itself.

- The trunk of the tree should be toward the front of the car so the weight is easily distributed.

Once the tree is in your home, the two biggest dangers are falls and fires.

PREVENTING FALLS

- Make sure your tree is secured to a wall.

- Make sure your tree stands is fully functional and secure, so that pets and or children cannot topple the tree.

PREVENTING FIRES

When it comes to fires, lights are a common cause of Christmas tree fires.

- Officials recommend not leaving the tree lit for long amounts of time, or when you are not home, or while you are asleep.

- Keep your tree as far as possible from heaters, space heaters, and fireplaces.

- Throw away worn or damaged lights that could be faulty, and keep an eye out for wires that that may be stripped of their outer covering and insulation.

- Keep your tree watered! A dry try is more prone to catching fire, and burning up faster.

Don't let a Christmas Tree ruin your holidays or your home!