Disaster can strike quickly, without warning. Your health department, other local officials, and relief workers have plans in place for a variety of possible emergencies. Do you? Valuable information can also be found on the following websites: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Christmas Tree Safety

Trimming the tree is a traditional holiday pastime. However, if they are not properly cared for, Christmas trees can pose a serious danger. The Peoria City/County Health Department offers the following tips to keep in mind when selecting and caring for your Christmas tree this holiday season:

• When buying a live tree, look at the needles. If they are brown or break easily, choose another tree. Test for freshness by bending a few needles in half. If the needles snap in two, the tree is dry – look for a tree with needles that spring back to their original shape.
• When you take your tree home, put it in a sturdy, non-tip stand filled with water.
• Give the tree plenty of water. Dry trees can catch on fire easily.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any flame or heat source.
• Never put candles on or near your tree.
• Put your tree near the electrical outlet. Do not block the exit.
• Before you put the lights on the tree, look at every bulb. If the string of lights does not look perfect, throw the lights away and get new ones.
• Lights do not last long. Replace your lights as soon as you see any signs of damage.
• Look on the box for a mark that says ETL, UL or CSA. This means the lights have been tested for safety.
• Read the directions. Only use as many strings of lights as it says is safe to use.
• When decorating indoors, use only those lights listed for indoor use. Unplug all lights, inside and out, before going to bed or leaving home.
• Safely get rid of your tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are flammable. They should not be left inside the home or garage, or placed against the house.
• Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
• Make sure your family knows what to do to get outside safely in a fire. Practice a family fire drill so your family and guests know the plan.

When finding and caring for your Christmas Tree this season remember the following word: STAR

Space: Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source or flames such as candles and fireplaces.

Turn: off the lights when you leave the room or go to sleep.

Add: water daily to keep your tree from drying out too fast.

Replace: lights when they are cracked or the wire is frayed. Holiday lights should be replaced about every 3 years. Look for the UL label on the box so you know they have been tested for safety.  

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