Consider the following suggestions to help make your holiday season a safe and happy one.

Selecting and Setting Up the Christmas Tree
A real Christmas tree can add to the spirit of the season by filling your home with the scent of pine and the beauty that only a real tree can. Some of the following tips can help you select, decorate and maintain a real tree.
•    When shopping for a real tree, make sure that the tree is freshly cut, by tapping the tree on the ground to ensure that it does not lose any needles. The needles of pines and spruces should bend and not break and should be hard to pull off the branches. On fir species, a needle pulled from a fresh tree will snap when bent, much like a fresh carrot. Also, look for a trunk sticky with sap.
•    Once you get the tree home, cut one or  two inches off the trunk prior to putting it in the stand. This fresh cut will help the tree absorb the water mixture to help keep it from drying out. In selecting your tree stand, select one that is sturdy and holds at least a gallon of water. Remember that a 6' tree may take up to a gallon of water every couple of days. Check the water level everyday to keep the tree from drying out prematurely.
•   If you will not be decorating the tree immediately, leave the tree outside until you are ready to decorate. The cooler temperatures will also help prolong the life of the tree.
•   Keep in mind when selecting a location for the tree to keep it away from heat sources such as floor heaters and fireplaces and make sure that it does not block foot traffic paths and doorways.
•   Remember that real trees can be a fire hazard, can be messy and may cause allergy flare-ups. If that is the case, you may therefore wish to opt for an artificial tree.

Christmas Lights and Ornaments
•   Make sure that the tree lights are UL-listed lights and strictly for indoor use.
•   Check the strings for broken lights, cracked sockets and loose connections. Replace all burned out lights or damaged light sets.
•    Try not to link more than 3 or four strands on one extension cord.
•    When using miniature lights use only strands with cool-burning lights.
•    Read labels before you using materials such as artificial snow.
•    Do not place lighted candles on a tree real or artificial.
•    Do not hang popcorn chains or candy canes on the tree if you have small children or pets.
•    Dispose of the tree properly. Do not through it in the condominium corporation's dumpster. Instead look for a designated recycle depot near your home.
•   NEVER BURN A REAL TREE IN THE FIREPLACE.

Home Safety
•   Install a smoke detector or new batteries in the one(s) you may have already installed and ensure that they work.
•    Never use indoor extension cords for  outside use.
•    Avoid overloading wall outlets and extension cords.
•    Keep outdoor electrical connectors above ground and out of puddles and snow.
•    Unplug any light string before replacing a bulb. Review the original package to verify that the replacement bulbs are of the proper wattage and voltage.
•    Never use electric lights on a metallic tree, instead consider using colored spotlights to light up the tree.
•    Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home.
•    Have an appropriate, operable fire extinguisher readily available.