By following a few simple safety tips, you can stay safe and enjoy a joyous holiday season.

• Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home.

• Choose a freshly cut tree. LIVE TREES NEED WATER! Check and refill often.

• Cut a few inches off the trunk before placing in water.

• When your tree becomes dry, discard it promptly.

• Keep your tree away from heat sources, sparks or flames.

• Do not leave Christmas tree lights on while unattended.

• Avoid accidents by using wire or cord to secure your tree to the wall or ceiling (this will prevent it from toppling over by small children or pets).

• Check all light sets prior to use. Do not use damaged light sets or extension cords.

• Avoid overloading the connections.

• Use only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lights on your tree, and NO CANDLES.

• Promptly remove all discarded packages and wrappings from the home.

• Never burn wrappings in the fireplace or wood stove.

• Use only non-combustible decorations

• If you use candles, make sure they are in stable holders on a flat stable surface and create a 1-foot circle of safety surrounding them

• NEVER leave the house with candles burning

• NEVER leave children or pets unattended with a lit candle (the candle can easily be knocked over)

• NEVER use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding and or cabinets.