Don't Forget to Water That Tree!

(Lake Saint Louis Patch originally published parts of this article in Dec. 2010, but the message is still very important, so we're posting it again as a reminder. Have a safe and happy holiday season!)

We're just a few days out from Christmas. By now, the excitement of having the tree up and decorated has lost out to the excitement of shopping, wrapping presents and planning the holiday feast. If your family is like mine, watering the tree has gradually moved to the bottom of your "I've got to get this done today" list.

Don't let it happen! Check out the accompanying video that dramatically illustrates the difference having a well-watered tree can make.

In addition to tree watering, Lake Saint Louis Fire Marshall Don Reitz stresses three other safety issues of the season. One is fireplaces and fireplace ashes. "Make sure that they are completely cooled before disposing of them," Reitz said.

The other is leaving Christmas lights on for extended periods of time. People tend to leave them on all night, and that's not a good idea, even with the new LED lights. "I have a new set of garland at home, with the LED lights in it, and it does get warm," Reitz said. "It's not as much heat as the old style, but there is heat."

The third thing to watch, Reitz said, is that any electric lights or other decorations are UL listed.

Here are some other holiday safety tips, courtesy of the United States Fire Administration:

The U.S.F.A. recommends these precautions around the holidays:

• Don’t use real candles as part of decorations and remember to always exercise basic safety when using candles throughout the home.
• Never leave a lighted Christmas tree or other decorative lighting display unattended. Inspect lights for exposed or frayed wires, loose connections, and broken sockets. Do not overload extension cords or outlets and do not place an electrical cord under a rug.
• Natural cut Christmas trees always involve some risk of fire. To minimize the risk, make sure the tree you choose is fresh and keep it watered at all times. Do not put the tree within three feet of a fireplace, space heater, radiator or heat vent.
• Decorate with children in mind. Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy, on the lower branches where small children can reach them. Trim protruding branches at or below a child’s eye level and keep lights out of reach.
• Do not burn Christmas tree branches, treated wood, or wrapping paper in a home fireplace.
• Declare the kitchen off limits to children and those adults not assisting with food preparation. A crowded kitchen can increase the danger of spills and burns.
• Be prepared to deal with potential cooking fires. Remember to never put water on a grease fire.