Friday, December 13, 2002

Deck the halls with safety

When Fulton County citizens "deck the halls" this holiday season, a few tips from the Cooperative Extension Service will help them choose the best evergreen tree for their needs.

Before setting out to buy your tree, decide on the tree's exact spot in the home. When you are shopping, think about the tree's location and look for the right height, width, and other characteristics.

Test the tree's freshness by grasping a branch between your thumb and forefinger and pulling your fingers toward the end of the limb. Few needles should pull off. If you shake the tree on its stump, it is normal to see a few brown needles fall. However, excessive falling of green needles mean a dry tree.

Cut about a quarter inch off the bottom of the trunk before placing the tree in its stand, just as you would cut the stems of fresh flowers.

Place water in the tree stand immediately and check it daily to keep the water level above the base of the trunk. Be especially careful about the water in the first 24 to 72 hours, because this is when the tree is the "thirstiest."

Keep the tree well away from furnaces, radiators, heat vents and other heat sources.

Make sure lights are in good working order. Do not overload your home's circuitry. Do not use lit candles on or near trees. Turn off all lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Every home should make holiday safety the first priority, avoiding needless accidents and keeping joy in the holiday season. For more information, call the Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service at 404-730-7000.