With the turkey leftovers and apple pie all gone, many people now turn their attention to festive decorating around the house. While pretty lights and burning candles provide a glow that makes you feel all cozy inside, there are few guidelines to be aware of to enjoy them safely. 

The cold winter months are a perfect time to burn candles. However, despite the calming glow and pleasant aromas they provide, candles can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. 

1. Never leave a candle unattended. Be sure to blow it out when you leave the room or go to sleep

2. It’s important to place candles at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn

3. Place candles where they can’t be knocked down or blown over, and be sure to keep them out of the reach of pets and children

4. To eliminate the risk of an open flame, use battery-powered candles whenever possible, especially when they’re combined with greenery or other decorations

Holiday lights are a wonderful way to make the season more beautiful. Nonetheless, they can also cause fires. There are easy ways to minimize that risk. 

5. Before you put your lights up, inspect each string. If any are cracked or damaged, throw them away

6. When you buy new lights, look at the box for a label, such as ETL or UL, that shows they’ve been tested for safety

7. Never string more lights together than what’s recommended on the box, and don’t plug too many lights into one outlet. Instead, use a surge protector 

8. Be sure to unplug all holiday lights when you go to sleep or leave home