With the holiday season in full swing people everywhere are buzzing around getting meals prepared, shopping for outstanding deals on gadgets and gizmos, and pulling out the tubs and boxes of decorations from the attic or garage.

This is the time of year when people everywhere enjoy stringing lights, inflating lawn ornaments, and adding extra sparkle to the inside and outside of their homes.

But, with all of these activities comes a certain amount of hazard. Each of these activities includes an element of electricity, and in that case it is important to follow some specific safety guidelines.

• Holiday lights are only used once per year, and the rest of the time they are stored away. This means that they are vulnerable to damage caused by a great many things including water and rodents. If you notice that your holiday lights are frayed, broken, or corroded make sure that you discard them. Instead purchase a new strand of lights to replace the damaged ones. Also, it is a good idea to store your holiday lights in plastic, air and water tight containers during the months that you are not using them.
• If you choose to have a real tree this season, make sure to keep it well-watered. A tree that is allowed to dry out is much more likely to catch on fire as the needles and branches become dry. Keeping your tree well-watered reduces the flammability and the likelihood that it will catch fire.
• If you choose to have an artificial tree, there is still some risk of fire. Make sure that the tree that you purchase is flame retardant. And, if it is a pre-lit tree it should have a label from Underwriters Laboratory that certifies its safety.
• If you choose to burn candles in your home, whether for tradition or decoration, make sure they are set on a flat surface that is sturdy and out of the reach of children. Make sure to blow them out before you go to bed or leave the house. Never leave a candle burning unattended.

Safety is a very important measure to take this holiday season. There is a lot of chaos and excitement with all of the out of town visitors and events, make good choices that will keep yourself and your family out of harms way.