With the lights, the music and special events, we all know that the holiday season can be a magical one. But did you know that in 2012 there were approximately 15,000 injuries that were related to holiday decorations, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)? Sometimes safety is the last thing on our minds during the holiday season.

At Mister Quik, we want you to be jolly, and safe. Here are some tips to use to keep you and your family safe while celebrating the season:

Christmas Trees

1. If you’re going for a live tree, make sure it’s well-hydrated. A dried-out tree can catch on fire much faster than a hydrated one. Check the water levels every other day.
2. When deciding where to place your Christmas tree, make sure it stays away from heat sources like the fireplace or heaters. It might be smart to make sure you have a fire extinguisher within reach of the tree.
3. Not going for a live tree because you feel fake is safer? As long as the tree has been labeled “fire resistant”, that can be true. But still take precautions as if it were a real tree (minus checking the water levels, of course).
4. Use unbreakable ornaments—no one wants to step on broken glass while placing presents under the tree.

Lights & House Décor

1. Don’t take on a project like decorating the house by yourself—make it a family project so you have someone to help watch the ladder or be an extra eye.
2. Avoid climbing up the roof if it has rained or there is snow/ice on the roof, as it can be slick and you may fall.
3. Don’t mount lights in a way that might damage the cords, and avoid using nails or tacks—hooks or insulated staples work best with electrical cords.
4. If you have cats or dogs, it’s best to avoid the poinsettias for décor—they are poisonous for pets and children.
5. Use battery-operated candles to light windows or mantels. If you like to use real candles, make sure they are secure and that someone blows them out when they leave the room.
6. Replace any lights that might have frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections. Check the latest guidelines from the CPSC on holiday lights and decorative outfits.
7. Avoid overloading extension cords and utilize power strips when it comes to plugging in more than two strands of light.
8. Read the label on lights—if they say, “Indoors only” use those only inside and use lights made specifically for outdoor setups.

Check out more tips from the National Safety Council. Happy Holidays from Mister Quik!