12 Extension cords

If extension cords are overloaded with holiday lights, they can overheat and catch fire. Avoid overloading the cord by reading over the packaging to find the maximum load. Also be sure not to add length by connecting cords together. It can overload the fuse, and even affect the brightness of your lights.

11 Candles

Before trying to add a holiday scent to the room, make sure to keep your candle about a foot away from anything that can burn. According to the National Fire Protection Association, one out of every three candle fires starts in a bedroom. Never leave lit candles unattended, and always be sure to put them out before bed.

10 Fireplaces

Soot often hardens inside of chimney and forms creosote, which is flammable. To make sure Santa can get in safely, be sure to inspect your chimney to see if it needs cleaned.

9 Christmas trees

According to the National Fire Protection Association, one in every three home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical issues. One in every four are caused by a heat source too close to the tree. So keep candles at a safe distance from the tree, and make sure your cords are not overloaded.

8 Light displays

Before you decorate your home like Clark Griswold, check and make sure your lights have no frayed or broken wires. Leaving them up for too long of a time can subject them to damage. Like with extension cords, be sure not to connect more than three strands at a time.

7 Cooking meals

To avoid burns, keep deep-fryers outside, on a flat surface, and 10 feet away from a structure. Be mindful of what you are cooking in the kitchen, and keep a close eye on the kids. To learn more about fire-causing habits, be sure to read 10 Bad Habits That Cause Home Fires.

6 Kids with matches

When lighting holiday candles or other items, keep an eye on your lighter or the matchbook. The number of fires caused by children goes up significantly during the holidays. Teach them to be safe, and always put fire-starting materials in a safe place.

5 Space heaters

While using a space heater in the cold winter months, make sure to keep it far away from anything flammable. And it’s a good idea to have a space heater that’s built to shut off if it’s tipped over.

4 Smoke alarms

As the holiday season approaches, check your smoke alarms to ensure that the batteries are working, or if they need to be replaced. In case anything happens to go awry, you want your alarms to alert you in time.

3 Fireworks

According to a 2015 report, about 10 percent of fireworks fires happen around New Year’s Day. Make sure you are keeping an eye on children when setting off fireworks, and always read safety instructions beforehand.

2 Appliances

With the hustle and bustle of holiday parties, shopping, work, and so on, it may be easy to forget leaving an appliance on when you leave the house. If the appliance is left near a flammable item, it can be a threat. Be aware and make sure to turn off major appliances before heading out.

1 Cigarette

Whether it be cigarettes, cigars, or a pipe, be sure that they are extinguished. After the holiday meal is over and everyone is feeling sleepy, it may not be a good time to have a smoke. No matter where, falling asleep with a lit cigarette can be a serious fire hazard.

Take the time and make sure your house is safe this holiday season. Your family and guests will be thankful, and you can enjoy the season without worry.