Deck the halls with boughs of safety

Follow some common sense to keep your Christmas tree fresh and electrical lights safe.

If you decorate with a real tree

Make sure it’s fresh. Needles should not be dropping or coming off easily. Try this: Take hold of a branch between your thumb and forefinger about 6 inches from the tip. Pull your hand toward you, allowing the branch to slip through your fingers. Needles should not come off.

WHEN YOU GET YOUR TREE HOME

Cut a few inches off the bottom of the stem and immediately place the tree in water, even if you do not yet intend to decorate it. Water daily.

DECORATE YOUR TREE WITH NEW LED LIGHTS

Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs or tiny lights, LEDs do not get hot. They also use 75 to 90 percent less electricity for the same amount of light and come in a wide range of sizes, colors and lighting patterns.

CAREFULLY INSPECT EACH LIGHT AND THE CORD

Cracked and loose bulbs and frayed or bare wires can shock or start a fire.

DO NOT OVERLOAD WALL OUTLETS OR EXTENSION CORDS.

According to the NFPA and the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical fires are one of the leading causes of structure fire annually. Read more...

ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR INDOOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS BEFORE LEAVING HOME OR GOING TO BED

Have your outdoor lights on a timer to save energy and reduce the risk of fire.