ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Holiday fire safety is crucial to ensuring a joyful and accident-free season.

Here are some tips to keep your home safe during the holidays:

Christmas trees

• Real: Choose a freshly cut tree and keep it well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
• Artificial: Ensure the tree is labeled “fire-resistant.”
• Placement: Keep trees away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators or candles.

Decorative lights

• Inspect lights: Check for frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.
• Use approved lights: Only use lights tested and certified by a recognized safety organization.
• Outdoor vs. indoor: Use lights specifically rated for outdoor or indoor use as intended.
• Avoid overloading outlets: Plug no more than three light strands into a single outlet, and use power strips with surge protectors.
• Turn Off When Unattended: Always switch off decorative lights when leaving the house or going to bed.

Candles

• Placement: Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, decorations or holiday greenery.
• Supervision: Never leave candles unattended, and extinguish them before leaving the room.
• Alternatives: Consider using battery-operated flameless candles for added safety.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen: Don’t leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
• Keep flammable items away: Ensure dish towels, paper towels and pot holders are away from open flames or hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby: Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. Smother grease fires and keep oven doors closed during oven fires.
• No playing: Keep a 3-foot kid-free zone around cooking areas.
• Pot, pan placement: Use back burners and turn pot handles inward.
• Attire: Wear tight-fitting clothing while cooking.

Fireplaces

• Screen the fireplace: Use a metal or glass screen to prevent sparks from flying out.
• Dispose of ashes properly: Place cooled ashes in a metal container and store them outside away from your home.
• Don’t burn wrapping paper: Burning wrapping paper can cause a flash fire because of its quick ignition and high heat.

Space heaters

• Keep clear space: Maintain a 3-foot radius around the heater free of flammable objects.
• Turn off when unattended: Never leave a space heater running when leaving the room or sleeping.

Smoke detectors and alarms

• Test regularly: Ensure your smoke detectors are working properly.
• Replace batteries: Replace batteries annually and the entire unit every 10 years.

Emergency preparedness

• Have an escape plan: Develop and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
• Know emergency numbers: Make sure everyone knows how to call for help.

General fire safety guidance

• Avoid overloading circuits and unplug appliances when not in use.
• Safely extinguish cigarettes and avoid smoking near oxygen.
• Never use generators indoors and inspect heating appliances annually.

By following these precautions, you can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season!