Minimize holiday-season fire hazards

Despite all of the activities that divert our attention during the holiday season, we need to make sure our homes are safe. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that some 240 homes erupt in flames each year because owners neglect important safety measures when they bring home their Christmas trees. Though they are relatively rare, Christmas tree fires still account for roughly $16 million in property damage each year.

To keep your home and family safe, position your tree at least three feet from any heat source and water it daily. The decorative lights you buy should have the Underwriters Laboratories, or UL, stamp of approval. Don’t link more than three strands of lights, and turn them off when you leave the house or retire for the night. Don’t put lit candles on or near the tree, and get rid of the tree when its needles begin to drop.

The stagnant water in a tree stand can make pets sick, so keep them away from it. And low-hanging ornaments and lights attract playful paws — and small hands — so decorate accordingly.

Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. This is the season for sitting by the fire, so your chimney flue, which can be a fire hazard if it’s not clear of debris, should be inspected. Your local fire department should be able to recommend a reliable chimney-cleaning company. And resist the urge to burn wrapping paper in the fireplace on Christmas morning, which can cause a chimney fire.

Always keep burning candles in sight, and extinguish them when you leave a room. Don’t burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire, and keep them out of the reach of children and pets.

By all means, enjoy the holidays, but let common sense be your guide to keeping them safe as well as joyous.