A real Christmas tree is a wonderful addition to your home at the holidays. Perhaps you have an annual tradition of either cutting down your tree at a local Christmas tree farm or heading out as a family to select your tree at your favorite tree lot. But according to NFPA, although Christmas tree fires are rare, U.S. fire departments respond to nearly 200 fires started by trees at home every year. 

Not to worry though. There are steps you can take to avoid the danger and enjoy your fresh tree throughout the entire season. The following tips are straight from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): 

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches. The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily. 
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out. 
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety and throw out any damaged lights. 
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle. 
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor. 
• Bedtime means lights off! Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night. 
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If you are searching for a new home, San Joaquin Valley Homes is still busy building homes throughout the Central Valley. Our model homes are open daily and virtual tours are available on our website for your convenience. Our model hours are Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit www.sjvhomes.com for more information.