If you celebrate Christmas, you know the joy holiday decorations and special meals bring to you and your family. But they also can present fire, burn, and slip-and-fall risks that can turn your celebrations into a call to emergency responders.

As you enjoy your time with family and friends, keep safety in mind and be sure to follow these 10 tips for fun-filled festivities!

1. Never leave candles or stovetop food unattended

Always blow your candles out before leaving the room or going to bed. Consider using flameless candles or scented plugins as an alternative to traditional candles for the holiday smells you love so much. And never leave food unattended on the stovetop. If you have to walk out of the kitchen even for a short period, turn off the burner and put the food on the back of the range if possible so you prevent spills and burns.

2. Keep children and pets away from the stove

The National Fire Protection Association reports that almost half of all home fires started by cooking equipment are caused by children under five years old playing with controls or knobs on stoves or ranges. Doggie noses and paws can create the same risk, so keep them clear as well.

3. Keep flammable things away from the stove

Keep things that can catch fire—like oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels—away from your stovetop so they don’t accidentally catch fire.

4. Clean up spills immediately

With all the bustle, it’s easy to spill liquids and grease on the floor. If you do have a spill, clean it up quickly and thoroughly so nobody ends up slipping and having a medical emergency.

5. Be cautious with extension cords

Whenever you use an extension cord for holiday lights or other decorations, make sure it is grounded and in good condition with no cracks or damage. Do not nail or staple extension cords to walls or baseboards, as this could create a fire hazard. And be sure to use only exterior cords for your outdoor lights.

6. Check your smoke alarms

Using smoke alarms isn’t just a good Christmas fire safety tip; it’s a good tip year-round. Check your smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button, and put a detector on every level of your home and in all bedroom areas.

7. Inspect your Christmas tree

Before putting up your Christmas tree, take time to give it a thorough inspection. If you’re using an artificial tree, look for the label stating, “Fire Resistant.” If you’re using a real tree, ensure it has fresh needles that aren’t drooping. Additionally, cut two inches off the bottom of the trunk and keep the base in water to prevent the branches from drying out.

8. Keep your tree away from heat

This may seem obvious, but it’s a small tip that’s often overlooked. Place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lamps. These can dry out your tree and create a risk of fire.

9. Careful with those lights

If you’re in the camp of “the more lights, the better,” be careful not to overload electrical outlets. Inspect your light strings and bulbs prior to putting them on the tree; then, replace any that are frayed or have bare wires showing. To go the extra mile, use only lights that an independent laboratory has tested for safety.

10. Dispose of real trees properly

Once Christmas is over and it’s time to take your real tree down, make sure you dispose of it properly. Never put it in your fireplace! A dried-out Christmas tree can ignite quickly and burn too intensely for a home fireplace. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having a professional service haul it away. Some locales also have tree pickup days, so inquire with your local city or waste collection company for details.

The holidays are a time for cheer and celebration, but they also can be a time for disaster if you’re not careful. By following these tips, you can help keep the season merry and bright while avoiding typical home holiday hazards.

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