Tip of the Week – December 21, 2016 – Keep a Watchful Eye on Christmas Trees

As we approach December 25th, many of us have had our live Christmas trees in our living and family rooms for nearly a month now. Now, more than ever, be sure to check that there is plenty of water in the tree's stand.  

"As Christmas draws near and additional presents are placed under the tree, it often becomes a huge chore to get to an accessible place to add water the tree," said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman.  "We don't want to drip water onto the gifts and so we sometimes say, 'it's okay, in another few days the gifts will be opened and I can water the tree then.  DO IT NOW."

Dry trees decorated with lights are a big fire danger.  In addition to watering the tree,

·       check the lights for any broken bulbs and replace them with working ones  

·       turn off the lights when you go to bed or leave your home

·       keep candles and flammables away from the tree

"We want everyone to have a safe and joyous holiday," said Ehrman.  "Take special care with a tree that has been in the house for weeks.   It's a little extra effort that can be life saving."