• When you select your holiday tree, the needles should be fresh, green and hard to pull off a branch. If needles fall off easily, the tree is drying out and can pose a fire hazard.
• Choose the destination of the evergreen tree in your home very carefully. Do not put the tree near any source of heat, such as a fireplace or vent. This can cause the tree to dry more quickly and pose a fire hazard.
• Keep the Christmas tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Use a large sturdy tree stand, so children can't pull the tree down.
• Cut the branches on the bottom of the tree, so they don't poke children in the eye.
• It's important to check electric lights for frayed wires, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive wear before use.
• Use only lighting systems listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do not leave electric lights unattended.
• Do not overload electrical outlets.

• All Christmas decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant. They should not be placed near heating vents or fireplaces.

• Do not put wrapping paper in the fireplace, as chemicals can build up in the home and cause an explosion.

• Artificial Christmas trees should be flame retardant

• Broken Christmas tree ornaments can be a risk for children. Make sure you keep sharp or breakable glass ornaments out of their reach.

• Be sure to keep ribbon away from small children. Any piece seven inches or longer could wrap around a child's neck and accidentally strangle him or her.

• Do not leave candles unattended.

• Use stable candle holders that are out of reach of children.

• Do not put lit candles on your Christmas tree.

Visit the Web site of the U.S. Fire Administration for additional fire prevention tips. (www.usfa.fema.gov).