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.

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 . 

Protect your community from wildfire by applying for a $500 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day  grant through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, Saturday, May 5, 2018,  encourages communities to work together to address their wildfire risk.

From January 8 through March 2, 2018, NFPA welcomes applications for one of 150 funding awards. Develop a plan now to work with partners and identify wildfire risks in your community. NFPA's Firewise USA site has resources you can use to understand your risk. To view past projects, visit the 2017 Success Stories .

For more information on wildfire preparedness, visit the U.S. Fire Administration's Wildfire page .