Deck the Halls Safely
December 8, 2024 | Member Submitted
Submitted by Tia Rancourt of the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District, 12/6/2024
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together and enjoy the season’s festivities.
A few simple tips will help ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Preventing Christmas Tree Fires
- Choosing the tree: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Placing the tree: Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.” Place the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Be sure to add water daily.
- Lighting the tree: Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Discarding the tree:
When the tree becomes dry, promptly discard it. Take advantage of the Free Holiday Tree Recycling Program, available from December 26, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Please note – the new location for tree drop off is the overflow parking lot across from Incline Beach.
Visit https://www.yourtahoeplace.com/events/holiday-tree-recycling or call 775-832-1203.