• Use only non-combustible and flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel (not recommended) and artificial icicles of plastic and non-leaded metals.
   
• Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials, and do not use candles to decorate Christmas trees.
   
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
   
• Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
   
• Place older ornaments and decorations that might be painted with lead paint out of the reach of small children and pets. 

Holiday Entertaining

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S.  When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
   
• Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is. 

Fireplaces

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
   
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.

• Use caution with holiday decorations and, whenever possible, choose those made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant and non-combustible materials.
   
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings, and replace damaged items before plugging lights in. Do not overload extension cords.
   
• Don't mount lights in any way that can damage the cord's wire insulation.  To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples--don't use nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.
   
• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights.
   
• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
   
• Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
   
• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground-fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.
   
• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire. 

Trees

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "fire-resistant."
   
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches, and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.
   
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and portable heaters.
   
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
   
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.
   
• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won't tip over easily. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.

Other Hazards

• Electric toys should be UL/FM approved.
   
• Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.

Security

• Use your home burglar alarm system.
   
• If you plan to travel for the holidays, don't discuss your plans with strangers.
   
• Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.