Do Christmas Trees Put Your Family in Danger? Up in Smoke
DECORATE WITH CARE Fire should never be anywhere
Christmas trees are a traditional, beautiful part of the holiday season. Unfortunately, they’re also incredibly dangerous. Christmas tree fires are four times deadlier than other house fires and cause $13 million in property damage annually, according to the American Christmas Tree Association. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to keep your family safe and still enjoy your favorite decorations. BE PICKY ABOUT YOUR TREE If you want to put up a real tree, make sure it’s as fresh as possible. Fresh trees won’t catch fire as easily. Ideally, you want to go to a tree farm and cut down a tree yourself. If this isn’t an option, test any pre-cut trees before you buy by bouncing the trunk on the ground. If a lot of pine needles fall off, find a new tree. KEEP YOUR TREE HYDRATED Trees are still plants, so they need to be watered regularly. A dry tree is a fire hazard and a threat to your house. After you get your tree home, cut two inches off the bottom so the trunk is fresh and will soak up water easier. Don’t fall for those “tree hacks” about caffeine or sugar; plain water is best for your tree. Check the water level every day and make sure it stays well above the bottom of the trunk.
near your tree. Put up your tree at least 3 feet from the fireplace, and keep real candles well away from the branches. You should also avoid setting
up your tree near radiators or heat vents. Before decorating, make sure to inspect your lights and throw out any strings that are old, damaged, or have missing bulbs. Consider purchasing LED lights, which don’t get as hot as incandescent lights. SAY GOODBYE Most Christmas tree fires occur between Dec. 26 and New Year’s Day, so be ready to get rid of your tree as soon as the festivities are over. No matter how much you water your tree, it’s dangerous to keep a real tree longer than four weeks. Visit Bit.ly/GoodbyeTree and learn how to safely recycle your tree in Georgia. Keep in mind that artificial trees, even the fire-resistant ones, can be just as dangerous as live trees. It’s important to practice care no matter what type of tree you’re decorating.
THE CHAMPION POP QUIZ
POTATO LATKES
Inspired by The New York Times
Ingredients
• 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into quarters • 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 2 tsp kosher salt • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp black pepper • Safflower or vegetable oil, for frying
Ready to share a beloved holiday tradition with your family? Come see “The Nutcracker” performed live at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta! Here’s your chance to win tickets to this classic ballet by answering this month’s trivia question:
Directions
1. Using either a food processor with a coarse grating disc or the coarse side of a box grater, grate potatoes and onion. (If using a food processor, halve or quarter potatoes.) Once grated, wrap in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much moisture as possible. 2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper. 3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan containing 1/4-inch of oil over medium-high heat. Use a heaping tablespoon to drop batter into the hot pan, working in batches. Use a spatula or spoon to form them into discs. Fry about 5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. 4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain, and serve alongside applesauce and sour cream.
In the song “Frosty the Snowman,” what makes Frosty come to life? Email your answer to tamsie@thechampionfirm.com for a chance to win. Submissions must be received by Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, to qualify. Congratulations to our October pop quiz champion, Kathy G. , who got to see the Broadway musical “Wicked”!
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