New York, NY -- Snow falling is synonymous with Christmas, but, then, so are falling Christmas trees -- and that's inspired one inventor to take action.

Richard Dweck is the creator of the SafeTree, an electrical device which prevents trees from catching on fire if they tip over.

Users plug their lights into the device and then attach it to the trunk of the tree with a Velcro strap. Should the tree tip over, the SafeTree works like a tip-switch on a space heater and shuts off the lights.

Dweck came up with the idea four years ago when he and his son were at a friend's house and saw the tree tip over. Luckily the tree didn't catch on fire, but it gave him the idea to create the SafeTree.

It's taken him all this time to bring the idea to market and Dweck says he's amazed it didn't already exist.

He says that's what people say about inventions: "Why didn't I think of that?"

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