Remember to burn only wood

never burn paper or pine boughs, which can float out of the chimney and

ignite a neighboring home. Never use flammable liquids in a fireplace.

If you are purchasing a factory-built fireplace select one listed by a

testing laboratory, and have it installed according to local codes.

Watch your wood stoves.

Be sure your wood or coal stove bears the label of a recognized testing

laboratory and meets local fire codes. Follow manufacturers' recommendations

for proper use and maintenance. Chimney connections and chimney flues

should be inspected at the beginning of each heating season and cleaned

if necessary.

Follow the same safety rules

for wood stoves as you would for space heaters. Burn only wood, and be

sure the wood stove is placed on an approved stove board to protect the

floor from heat and coals. Check with your fire department and check local

codes before having your wood stove installed.

Beware of holiday lighting.

Take care when burning candles. Be sure they are kept away from decorations

or other combustible materials. Don't leave children unattended in a room

with lit candles, and always keep candles, as well as matches and lighters,

out of the reach of children. Never display lighted candles in windows

or near exits.

Test tree trimmings.

When decorating with lights, be sure to purchase only those labeled by

a testing laboratory. Never use candles to decorate Christmas trees. For

outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use. Don't

overload electrical outlets and always unplug all lights before leaving

home or going to bed.

Prepare for holiday parties.

Decorate only with flame-retardant or noncombustible materials. Avoid

using candles during parties. If guests will be smoking, provide them

with large, deep ashtrays and check them frequently. After the party,

check inside and under upholstery and in trashcans for cigarette butts

that may be smoldering.

Keep Christmas trees fresh.

Choose a fresh Christmas tree and secure it in a sturdy stand. Place the

tree away from heat sources and exits, and water it daily. If you purchase

an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled fire-retardant. If you plan

to hang stockings on your fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Cook with care. When

cooking, don't wear loose fitting clothing. It can be ignited by hot burners.

Always turn pot handles in so small children can't grab them. Don't store

items on the stovetop; they could catch fire.

Keep kitchen appliances clean

and in good condition, and turn them off after use. Don't overload electrical

outlets, and don't use appliances with frayed or cracked wires.

Children love to help cook.

Supervise them closely.

Designate a driver.

When attending a party, always designate a non-drinking driver. If you

are the host of a holiday gathering, be sure there are non-alcoholic beverages

available for guests who are driving and be aware of the condition of

your guests.

Buckle up. During the

holiday months, people travel more than ever. Wearing a seat belt is the

easiest and best way to prevent injury in a motor vehicle collision. Ensure

that all passengers are also wearing safety belts.

Prepare a winter storm plan.

Have extra blankets on hand and ensure that each member of your household

has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water resistant boots. Stay

tuned for storm warnings by listening to NOAA Weather Radio and your local

radio and TV stations for updated storm information.

Enroll in a first-aid and

CPR course. Although these tips can help prevent an emergency, it

is also important to be prepared should an emergency situation arise.

To enroll in a first aid or CPR course, contact the Red Cross at 404-876-3602.

The 12 Holiday Safety Tips

are a compilation of information provided by the nonprofit National Fire

Protection Association and the Red Cross' Community First Aid manual.