Local News

Simple Steps Can Prevent Fire Hazard from Christmas Tree

Posted 2006-08-04T00:11:44+00:00 - Updated 2000-11-23T11:00:00+00:00

For lots of families, buying the Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving is tradition. Taking a few precautions can keep that holiday tree from becoming a fire hazard.WHEN SELECTING A TREE:

Take a look at the color.The tree should have a rich green color.

Touch the tree near the ends of the branches.In a healthy tree, the needles should be tough to pull out. ONCE YOU GET THE TREE HOME:

Cut about 2 inches off the trunk of the tree.Any less, and the tree cannot soak up water, no matter how much it is given.

Try to get it underwater within an hour.If you do, experts say most healthy trees can survive the season just fine.

Tree sellers say the trip from the North Carolina mountains costs about $20 more per truckload this year. Sellers are trying to keep their prices close to last year's levels.