December is finally here, snow is in the forecast, and the holidays are upon us.  It’s time for a lot of us to put up a Christmas tree and decorate it with all sorts of lights and ornaments.  Christmas tree fires are not common, but we all still need to take proper care of them.  Fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees every year.  Here are a few Christmas tree safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

• When buying a fresh tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when touched.
• Make sure that your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source in your house, including radiators, heat vents, and lights.
• Add water to the tree daily.
• Replace any lights that are worn or have broken cords.  Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when stringing together multiple strands of lights.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

Make sure you use these Christmas tree safety tips and dispose of your tree properly after the holiday – the City of Columbus traditionally picks up trees for free after the holiday, and many local yard waste sites will take them for free as well!