Fire or child safety is probably the last thing you want to worry about during the holidays. But the fact is when live Christmas trees catch fire, they are likely to be serious. On average, one of every 15 reported fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in death. And each year, hundreds of children choke on falling needles or have an allergic reaction to their live Christmas trees.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, between 2003 and 2006, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 240 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually*. The U.S. Fire Administration provides video of a Christmas tree catching fire and engulfing the family room in less than 40 seconds.

Also remember if you have young children in the home or planning to visit during the holidays, they could suffer from allergies and develop respiratory problems from being around a live tree. Think about the needles that a live tree drops to the floor. Even the freshest trees will still have sharp needles falling. Young children may choke on these needles or, if you have a crawler, then they can be poked.

Instead of assuming any or all of these things won’t or couldn’t spoil your festivities, put your mind almost entirely at ease with an artificial tree. Artificial trees are fire retardant, allergen-free and you don’t have to worry about taking it down before it gets too dry – yet one more thing you don’t have to worry about around the holidays!

*Source: NFPA's "Home Christmas Tree and Holiday Light Fires" by Marty Aherns, November 2007