potential Christmas fire hazards such as extra lighting, Christmas trees, wrapping paper, and electrical toys.

The Fire Service has provided a number of safety precautions which, if followed, will allow residents to enjoy the festive season safe from deadly fires: Lighting Safety Check your Christmas tree lights for signs of wear, such as cracking or brittle insulation. If there is any sign of damage, replace them.

Be sure to purchase sets of lights which are labelled by a recognised testing laboratory signifying approval for their intended use (ie: labels marked "UL'', "CSA'' and "FM'').

Do not use electric lights on metal trees because of the danger of electric shocks.

Do not overload extension cords. Only use cords which are heavy enough for the intended load (check product labels and packaging). And never run cords under carpeting.

Unplug all indoor and outdoor lighting before retiring for the night or leaving the house.

Only use lights made specifically for exterior use on outdoor displays.

Do not use candles on displays or decorations.

Christmas Tree Care Before decorating your tree, cut off one inch of the trunk to remove the sealing gum brushed on the base to stop sap from flowing out. Then place the tree in a water-filled, non-tip tree stand. This will keep your tree green and lush, making it less of a fire hazard.

Do not use candles on the tree -- only electric lights with proper approval labels. If they are not a new set, be sure to check for signs of wear.

If you use an artificial tree, it should bear an approval label for fire retardancy Turn off all lights on the Christmas tree before retiring for the night or leaving the house.