Tips to stay safe during the holidays

With Christmas only two days away, authorities are issuing one last reminder to residents to keep their homes safe this holiday season.

Residents still out shopping for that perfect Christmas tree should make sure the trees are a fresh green and needles aren’t easily pulled off or shaken to the ground.

The trunk should be sticky and have a sufficient amount of water in the stand when set up in the home.

Most home fires during the holidays start with Christmas lights, fire officials said.

Lights should be checked for old, broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Authorities remind residents to use no more than three standard-sized sets of lights per single extension cord and to never use electrical lights on a metallic tree.

Make sure your chimney is clean and the flue is open when starting a fire, and keep firewood outside at least 30 feet away from the home.

Nationwide, people suffer up to $80 million in damage annually between Dec. 24 and 26.

Officials urge everyone to exercise caution and have a safe and happy holiday through the new year.

— Joseph Serna