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Here we go again: what to do, go
artificial this yuletide season, or stick with a formerly live Christmas tree?
Both have their merits, though there
is a lot to be said for not having hundreds of fallen needles to clean up after
Dec. 25. Then again, having to repack a plastic tree in a box is no fun either.
But if you are going to stick with
the real McCoy, there are a number of tips and safety factors you ought to
consider, advises the National Safety Council:
* When shopping
for a tree, check the condition of the needles by running your hand along the
branches. A tree that is extremely dry will lose more needles than one that is
not.
* Add water to the
tree stand and cut 2 inches off the bottom of the trunk to help preserve the
tree.
* Don't put the
tree near a fireplace, radiator or other heat source, and keep it away from
doorways.
* Use indoor
lights only and check for broken or frayed cords. Small lights put off less
heat.
* Limit the number
of tree light strands connected to an extension cord. Safety experts recommend
no more than three strings of lights per extension cord.
* Turn off lights
when not at home.
* Do not hang
popcorn chains or candy canes on trees when small children are present. The risk
is that they will think all ornaments on the tree are edible.
If you think these tips from the
National Safety Council sound a bit overstated, think again: every year, there
are upwards of 400 residential fires reported across the United States that are
caused by Christmas trees, resulting in 40 deaths and 100 injuries.
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