Christmas Tree Safety and Disposal

Every year, Christmas trees in America cause house fires that result in property damage and loss of life. According to the City of Tempe, from 1999 to 2002, more than 310 home fires were caused by live and artificial trees catching fire, causing an average of 14 deaths and $16.2 million in property damage per year.

Her are some tips you can use so that you and your family won't be included in those tragic statistics.

1. Unplug Christmas tree lights before you leave the house and when you go to sleep.
2. Place lit candles far from the Christmas tree.
3. Water a live Christmas tree daily. Never purchase a tree that is dry or dropping needles.
4. When purchasing an artificial tree, read the label to make sure it is fire retardant.
5. Place the Christmas tree three feet away from any heat source and close to outlets so electrical cords aren't running long distances.
6. Watch children carefully when they are around the Christmas tree. Children can pull at cords, lights and also attempt to light a tree on fire, so pay attention to their activities.
7. Dispose of the Christmas tree when it starts dropping needles. Do not place your tree inside your garage or against your house.

Tempe residents can get rid of their Christmas trees by leaving them at one of the city's convenient drop-off sites. Trees can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to noon on Fridays and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Household Products Collection Center at 1320 E. University Dr. Additionally, trees can be dropped off at the parking lot west of Kiwanis Park Recreation Center, 6111 S. All America Way. This site is available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Both sites will accept trees through January 20, 2007.

Tempe also collects trees on the normal monthly collection for brush and bulky items. You can visit Tempe online to find out when your neighborhood is scheduled for monthly collection.