During the winter and especially around the holidays there is an increased risk of accidents and fires in and around the home. To help ensure a safe and happy holiday season the Fire Department recommends the following tips:

• Install a smoke alarm on every level of your home.

• Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree and cause it to more easily ignite by heat, flame or sparks. When your tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.

• Live trees need water, check and refill often.

• Never put tree branches or needles or wrapping paper in a fireplace or wood burning stove.

• Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wire, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive kinking or wear.

• Only use Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lighting and non-combustible decorations.

• Do not overload outlets. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.

• Do not leave lit holiday lights unattended.

• Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders on a flat stable surface and place them where they cannot be knocked over easily. Always have a 4-foot circle of safety around a burning candle. For more information go to www.candles.org.

• Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a tree with an open flame-candles, lighters or matches.

• Never use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, draperies, decorations, blinds and bedding.

• Never leave the house with candles burning.

• Never leave children or pets unattended with a lit candle.

Following these simple fire safety tips can increase survival rates dramatically. Please share them with your audience because knowledge is the best fire protection.