1. When selecting a tree, make sure the needles are hard to pull out from the branches and do not break when bent.  If either of these happen, the tree is too dry and is a fire risk.
2. When you bring your tree home:
3. Thoroughly check your lights before placing them on the tree.
   • Look for broken or chracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections.
   • Use no more than 3 strings of lights per extension cord.
   • Use only one extension cord per outlet.
   • Turn the lights off when sleeping or when you leave the house.
4. When to take down your tree:
   • If your needles begin to drop, it is time to dispose of your tree (usually this start to happen after one month).
   • Do not burn your tree in a fireplace or woodstove.  Christmas trees have lots of sap which tends to explode; in addition, their needles burn quickly especially when dry.  This combination tends to send sprarks or embers flying which can quicly lead to a house fire.
   • Do not leave your tree in the house or in the garage.  It should be stored outside away from the house until it can be taken to a tree recycling center or picked up by a community haul-away service. 

On a side note, be sure to check your smoke detector batteries.  You already have the ladder out to perfectly place the star on top of the tree, right?  Take an extra 20 minutes to check your detectors...it could save a life!