1. Clean the tree stand with a capful of bleach mixed with water. This reduces the growth of organisms that can block the tree's intake of water.
2. Select a fresh tree with needles which do not pull easily from the branches and do not break when gently bent.
3. Consider having your tree sprayed with a State Fire Marshal approved flame retardant chemical.
4. Re-cut the trunk at least one inch above the old cut as soon as you get home. Put it into water immediately.
5. Check the water level in the stand daily and refill with lukewarm water. Commercial floral preservatives can be added.
6. Locate the tree away from heat sources (including television sets), being careful not to block exitways with the tree or rearranged furniture.
7. Use only UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved miniature type tree lights to reduce the drying effect. Do not connect more than 200 midget lights together through one string or cord.
8. Check lights before putting them on the tree. Replace sets if bare wires or bulb filaments are exposed, sockets are cracked or broken, or plugs and connectors have loose or missing inserts.
9. After inspecting the lights, place them on a fireproof surface and let them run for fifteen minutes. Replace any which show signs of overheating, such as smoking or melting.
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