Local firefighters answer questions and offer tips to homeowners in The Woodlands area about home safety and decorating their homes for the holidays.

Alan Benson The Woodlands Fire Department chief

As far as holiday lighting is concerned, what precautions should be taken to avoid electrical dangers and fire hazards?

When decorating your Christmas tree or home with holiday lighting, be sure to use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory, and don’t use light strings that have worn or damaged cords or loose bulb connections. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets. Don’t use indoor-rated lights outside.

When purchasing a live Christmas tree, what precautions should be taken to prevent fires?

First of all, pick out a tree that is fresh with green needles that do not fall off when you touch it. Cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the tree stand, and make sure you place the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, heat vents, lights and candles.  It is very important that you do not let your tree dry out.

What are some common accidents that occur during the holidays as a result of decorating or fireplace usage, and how can they be prevented?

Some of the common accidents that occur around the holiday season leading to fires involve the use of candles, dried-out Christmas trees, the placement of decorations, frying turkeys and dirty fireplaces. Christmas stockings look awesome hung above the fireplace, but just don’t do it. Each year the fire department responds to house fires caused by the buildup of creosote in the fireplace flue.