With Christmas fast approaching, here are a few tips to keep your home safe during this holiday season. When picking a tree, choose one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut two inches from the base of the trunk. Make sure to keep the tree a minimum of three feet away from any type of heating source and away from any exits to the home. Add water daily. Use lights that have a recognized testing laboratory label affixed to it and replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Limit connections to no more than three strands of lights and read the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree and always turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas, remove the tree from the home. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage for disposal.

Facts: One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical failure, and one of every six fires is caused by the tree being too close to a heat source.  Please be safe and enjoy the holiday season.

For more information, contact the Landrum Fire Department at 864-457-3101.

–Submitted by Chief Warren Ashmore