• Use only non-combustible and flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel and artificial icicles of plastic and non-leaded metals.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
  
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp and breakable, and keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children.
  
• Avoid trimmings that resemble candy and food that may tempt a young child to put them in his mouth.
  

• Unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. When cooking for holiday visitors, remember to keep an eye on the range.
  
• Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays, and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
  
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably in a locked cabinet).
  
• Test your smoke alarms, and let guests know what your fire escape plan is.
  

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "fire-resistant."
  
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches, and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break.
  
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces, radiators and portable heaters. Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways.
  
• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
  
• Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.
  
• Make sure the base is steady so the tree won't tip over easily.
  

• Before lighting any fire, remove all greens, boughs, papers and other decorations from fireplace area. Check to see that the flue is open.
  
• Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames when thrown on wood fires. They contain heavy metals that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting if eaten.
  
• Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
  

• Poinsettias are known to be poisonous to humans and animals, so keep them well out of reach, or avoid having them.
  
• Keep decorations at least 6 inches above the child’s reach.
  
• Avoid using tinsel. It can fall on the floor and a curious child or pet may eat it. This can cause anything from mild distress to death.
  
• Keep any ribbons on gifts and tree ornaments shorter than 7 inches. A child could wrap a longer strand of ribbon around their neck and choke.
  
• Avoid mittens with strings for children. The string can get tangled around the child’s neck and cause them to choke. It is easier to replace a mitten than a child.
  
• Watch children and pets around space heaters or the fireplace. Do not leave a child or pet unattended.
  
• Store scissors and any sharp objects that you use to wrap presents out of your child’s reach.
  
• Inspect wrapped gifts for small decorations, such as candy canes, gingerbread men, and mistletoe berries, all of which are choking hazards.
  

• Use your home burglar alarm system.
  
• If you plan to travel for the holidays, don’t discuss your plans with strangers.
  
• Have a trusted friend or neighbor to keep an eye on your home.
  

Strong Tower Home Inspections Wishes you Happy and Safe Holidays and Merry Christmas !