Fire safety is very important during the holiday season.

Fire safety becomes very important around the holiday season. We tend to use many more lights and candles for decorations and to set the holiday mood. It’s also important to remember that the Christmas tree must be handled with care.

Here are some facts from the U.S. Fire Administration:

• One out of every three Christmas tree fires is cause by electrical problems.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. This is the month where eleven percent of home candle fires begin with decorations, compared to four percent the rest of the year.
• More than half of those home candle fires occur when something that can catch fire is too close to the candle.

So how you make your home a little safer this holiday season? Here are some tips.

• Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher in your home.
• Be certain to have working smoke detectors in your home. Check the batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• When choosing an artificial Christmas tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• When choosing a natural tree, choose a fresh tree. This will reduce the chances of those green needles falling off every time the tree is touched.
• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut one to two inches from the base of the trunk.
• Add water to the tree stand and make sure to water the tree on a daily basis.
• Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat sources, like radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves or candles.
• Use the right lights. Some holiday lights are made specifically for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Make sure the lights have the label of an independent testing laboratory.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.