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Published on 12/08/08

Sidebar: Christmas tree safety

University of Georgia

To keep your family and home safe this holiday season, take a few precautions when it comes to your Christmas tree.

• Always turn off all lights on trees and decorations before you go to bed or leave the house.

• Make sure you place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources.

• Check your Christmas lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires or loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

• Use no more than three light sets on one extension cord. Extension cords should also be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards.

• Never place lit candles on a tree or near any flammable materials.

• Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

- From the National Safety Council

Allie Byrd is a writer with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.