There's nothing that says “Happy Holidays!” like the sight of sparkling lights and the smell of the fresh pine and balsam in our homes. According to the U.S. Fire Administration there are simple safety steps you can take to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season. Check the tips below to eliminate any potential dangers for your family and your home.

Trees

• Select a tree with fresh needles. They should be hard to pull back and should not fall off when handling the tree.
• Trunk should be sticky to touch. If you can, it’s a good idea to cut 1 to 2 inches off when you get the tree home.
• Set up your tree away from fire places and radiators.
• Keep your tree stand filled with water as heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly. Do not keep your tree up too long.
• Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood stove when it becomes dry.
• Dispose of it promptly by taking it to a recycling center of having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
• Look for the label "fire resistant" if you have an artificial tree.
• Place your tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

Lights and Decorations:

• Always check your lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees and house walls to protect the lights from wind damage and use only insulated staples to hold strings in place.
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights can short out and start a fire.
• Holiday decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!