Nassau County Executive Tom Gulotta held a press conference with a holiday theme last Thursday afternoon to discuss some issues of safety.

"We want everyone to truly have a happy and joyous holiday season," said Gulotta, "Too often the holiday season is marred by some tragedy that easily could have been avoided."

Each year thousands of consumers suffer the destruction of property, are injured or even killed by fires started by unsafe holiday decorating, according to Gulotta.

For this reason he and the Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs have compiled a list of simple suggestions to avert unnecessary tragedy.

When purchasing, Christmas lights, consumers should look for a label to indicate that the lights have been inspected and approved by an nationally recognized testing agency.

At the press conference Gulotta displayed a string of lights that had a frayed wire. Where the rubber had worn away, the underlying electrical wire was clearly exposed.

Those using lights should check not only the lights, but the sockets into which they are plugged as well. Loose connections and broken sockets can be dangerous.

Those with real Christmas trees should check to make sure the branches are not brittle or dry. The trees should never be positioned near open flame and the water level should be checked daily.

Conversely, if one is decorating with candles for Christmas or Chanukah, the candles should be kept away from trees and flammable fabric.

Gulotta suggested that not only should people not leave their homes with their decorations activated, they should not even leave the room with the decorations unsupervised.

Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or fruit which may attract children and animals. Also avoid ornaments that are easily breakable.

Said Gulotta, "If people follow these rules it will diminish the potential to do damage to property or anyone's health."