Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together, but that also means a greater risk for fire.

Follow these simple tips for a fire-safe holiday season. Always maintain your holiday lights and check for:
– Frayed wires
– Bare spots
– Gaps in the insulation
– Broken or cracked sockets
– Excessive wear

Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions state that it is safe to do so.

Periodically check the wires to ensure they are not getting warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on or lit candles unattended.

Consider using only nonflammable decorations or flame retardant ones. Decorations should always be placed or hung away from any heat source.

Make sure that your tree or any of your decorations do not block an exit way. If a fire occurs, a blocked exit way could put your family at risk.

Never put wrapping paper in the fire-place; it could cause a very large fire, throwing off dangerous embers and sparks that could result in a chimney fire.

If you do use lit candles, never place them on a tree. Place them in a stable candle holder.

Keep candles at least 12 inches away from all flammable materials.

If you decide to go with a fresh tree remember to keep the stand filled with water as long as the tree remains inside.

Keep the tree away from fireplaces and any other heat sources decorations and wrapping paper.

More information: www.Santa-Clarita.com/emergency