Decorating Your Home for the Holidays The holiday season is a time for celebration. However, each year, fires injure 2,600 people in the United States and cause more than $930 million in damage. As people decorate their homes with trees, wreaths, electric lights and candles, there are important steps to remember to ensure a safe and happy holiday. Christmas Trees If you are going to decorate a natural tree in your home, there are several things to note: When you select your 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 be a fire hazard. Carefully select an appropriate spot in your home for the tree. Do not put the tree near any source of heat, such as a fireplace or heat vent. This can cause the tree to dry more quickly and create a fire hazard. Keep the 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. Check electric lights for frayed wires, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive wear before use. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do not leave electric lights unattended. Do not overload electrical outlets.