The holidays are without question a very busy time for most of us. We’re running around trying to pick up last minute gifts, preparing big meals for family and friends, and breaking out the ladder to string up festive lights and decorations.

While all of these things can be enjoyable in their own way, they can also prove dangerous, as our minds are often wandering to remember if we actually remembered to turn the stove off or if we locked the house full of gifts.

Be sure to keep yourself and loved one’s safe this season by following these tips!

Fight fire with fire 
You don’t need Smokey Bear to tell you that the majority of home fires are preventable. Fires are a huge issue during this time of year, for a variety of reasons—many of which are preventable.

Set a timer:
Sometimes in the rush of cooking a big holiday meal, it can be difficult to remember what you put in the oven and when, especially if you’re trying to get dressed and ready for guests at the same time. Be sure to set multiple timers, one for when the food is done, and one for a few minutes after, just in case you miss the first timer.

Fireproof your tree:
If you are considering purchasing an artificial tree, make sure that it is labeled as “fireproof.” You might not think that a fake tree would burn as easily as the real thing, but that’s far from the truth. In the case of real trees, prevent string lights from heating up the branches by ensuring your tree is adequately hydrated, and keeping lights towards the outside of branches.

Protecting children and pets 
The holidays are a magical time of year for kids, making them even more prone to distracted behavior. In the excitement of helping you decorate or baking cookies, it’s easy to lose track of what they are getting into, and this goes for four-legged friends, too.

Formulate a holiday playbook:
If you lay down ground rules before any holiday activity (and make them part of the fun) kids are much more likely to listen. For instance, avoid accidental burns or messes while having kids design their cookies with paper and pencil as you’re handling the mixer and stove.

Keep things out of reach:
Holiday decorations like candles and poinsettias are great for making our homes look festive, but pose a threat to curious kids and pets. Be sure to keep items like these well out of reach, or even tucked away, especially while you’re busy wrapping presents or baking.