Holiday Tree Safety, Prepare Your Car for Winter, and more from FEMA
Keep your tree safe throughout the holiday season
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) says they are more likely to be serious.
Keep your trees watered. Dry and uncared for trees can catch fire from a short in electrical lights. They can also catch fire from lit candles, lighters, and matches.
Before your tree becomes an issue, be fire smart with these USFA tips:
Place the tree away from heat sources and exits.
Use only decorations that will not catch fire.
Inspect lights for worn wires or other defects before use.
Always keep an eye on tree lights. Turn off lights at night.
Keep natural tree stands filled with water at all times. Do not let your tree dry out.
If the tree becomes dry, remove it.
Find extra holiday, Christmas tree, and fire safety information on the USFA Holiday Safety page.
Prepare Your Car for Winter
Keep yourself from getting stranded this winter. Store emergency items in your vehicle to handle cold weather, ice, and snow.
There are specific emergency items to store in your vehicle during the winter. There are also maintenance checks to keep you safe, your vehicle warm, and your engine running.
Follow these tips and find more winter preparedness information from the Ready campaign.
Check or have a mechanic check items, such as:
Antifreeze levels
Battery and ignition system
Brakes
Exhaust system
Fuel and air filters
Heater and defroster
Lights and flashing hazard lights
Oil
Thermosat
Windshield wiper equipment and washer fluid level
Winter tires
Add winter items to the emergency kits in your vehicles:
Shovel
Ice scraper, snow brush
Boots, mittens, warm clothes
Blanket(s)
Tow chain or rope
Road salt and sand
Tire chains or snow tires
Additional winter preparedness tips are available to keep your family safe and warm all winter long. To view more, download Prepareathon’s How to Prepare for a Winter Storm guide.