According to the U.S. Fire Administration, due to Christmas trees, lights, and candles, homes are at a greater risk of fire during the holiday season. Captain Rick Ruckriegel of the Jeffersontown Fire Department gives some tips to keep your home safe.

It is best to have an artificial tree with a flame retardant, but if you have a live Christmas tree, place it in a five gallon bucket of water and let the tree absorb the moisture so it’s harder to catch fire.

If you use a wood burning fireplace during the winter, make sure to keep the chimney is clean and clear of soot. Have your chimney cleaned once a year to prevent a fire from starting.

People usually cook more during the holidays than any other time during the year. While cooking, be attentive to the stove, the oven and other kitchen appliances.

When using the self-cleaning mode on the oven, first remove any large food particles.

When using space heaters, keep clear a radius of three feet.

Candles in glass containers are safest to use. Never leave burning candles unattended.

With many Christmas decorations up during the holidays, make sure not to overload power outlets with electrical decorations. This can be a fire hazard.

For additional fire safety tips for the holiday season, you can visit the Jeffersontown Fire Department website.