Tips can help provide safe Christmas

Safety tips can help ensure a good Christmas season, the state Extension Service says.

Christmas trees and lights are common safety problems. Here are some tips to make your holidays safer:

•Keep live Christmas trees watered. This is particularly important when a Christmas tree is purchased well in advance of Christmas. Timely removal of Christmas trees after the holidays will assure that drying does not get excessive.

If tree care is an inconvenience, a synthetic tree may be a safe alternative. Check electrical cords and lights for signs of damage.

If damaged, replace these items. Use of damaged electrical cords and lights can cause an electrical short and lead to a fire.

•Keep close eyes on your pets because they often drink the tree water causing the tree to dry out faster.

•Also watch out for pets that chew on and damage electrical cords and lights.

•Take extra precaution with candles and other displays that place open fire in your home. These can be easily forgotten and become a danger to curious children or pets.

Many buyers are also distracted with the tumult of this craziest time of year, and fail to take basic precautions such as locking car doors.