This is the season when families gear up for the holidays by picking out a Christmas tree, choosing holiday decorations and lighting candles. I join the Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center in reminding residents to take certain precautions when preparing for the holidays in order to reduce a risk of fire in the home. I ask that all citizens take the opportunity to make their homes a safer place.

Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that on average, one in every 22 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death. Holiday lights (or other decorative lighting with live voltage) were involved in 16 percent of the home Christmas tree structure fires.

It's also important to note that fires caused by children increase during the holiday season. According to Firesafety.gov, children cause nearly 60 house fires a day in mid-December, with another sharp increase on New Year's Day. Parents should take precautions to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

Make the holiday season a happy one by following these safety tips:

When choosing a Christmas tree:

• Check a tree for dryness while at the seller's lot - shake the trunk and watch for falling needles. If dry needles fall, choose a fresher tree.

• Avoid trees with a green tint on the branches or trunk - these trees may have been spray-painted to improve its appearance, and the paint used may not be non-combustible.

• Have the merchant saw off an inch or two from the trunk of the tree to help keep the tree fresh longer at home; also, if your tree is left outside, placing it in a bucket of water will help keep it fresh.

When choosing holiday decorations and lighting:

• When possible, choose decorations made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.

• Purchase lights and electrical decorations stamped with the name or symbol of an independent testing lab - for example, "UL", or Underwiters' Laboratories - and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.

• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings. Look for frayed cables and replace any damaged or missing bulbs before plugging lights in.

• Do not overload extension cords, "power strips" and electrical outlets.

• Turn lights off overnight.

If you light holiday candles:

• Keep lighted candles at least one foot away from any combustible materials. Do not place candles anywhere near window curtains or furniture.

• Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or tipped/blown over. If possible, keep the candle inside a weighted holder.

• Extinguish a candle before it burns to within two inches of its holder.

• Never leave a lighted candle unattended - extinguish a candle before leaving the room.

• Discourage the use of candles in bedrooms and other areas where you may fall asleep.

When preparing holiday meals:

• Never leave ovens, stoves or any other cooking appliance unattended.

• Keep matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children, ideally in a locked cabinet.

• If you allow smoking inside your home while entertaining guests, provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays and empty them frequently. Remind your guests not to dispose of cigarettes in trash cans. You might also consider asking your guests not to smoke while inside the house.

I urge all Nassau residents to make an effort to follow these steps. It can be the difference between life and death. The Nassau County Firefighters Museum & Education Center on Museum Row is a place where families can get additional tips on fire safety, and learn some important, lifesaving information. To find out more about the Museum, call 572-4177 or visit ncfiremuseum.org.