The holiday season is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year" but with holiday decorations, trees, and cooking, it’s easy for the celebrations to go up in flames.

The Mass. Department of Fire Services released a Winter Holiday Safety Pamphlet and a webpage dedicated to preventing fires during this season.

They offered advice on topics that include smoke alarms, escape plans, cooking safety, candles, electrical fires, space heaters, Christmas tree care, matches, and lighters.

The Easton Fire Department also released a list of tips for you to be safe and prevent fires this season.

Related: Safety tips from National Grid following first winter storm of season

Christmas Tree Safety

• Residents who want a natural tree should purchase one that is fresh and cut it an inch or two from the bottom before putting it in water.
• To see if a tree is too dry, bend a pine needle. If it breaks before bending in half, it is too dry.
• Water natural Christmas trees every day.
• Dispose of a tree after it becomes too dry or wait until the holiday ends.
• Trees and decorations should not be displayed near heat sources like heaters, fireplaces and candles.
• Trees should be placed on stands to prevent tipping.
• Residents should use electric holiday lights listed by approved testing agencies.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for tree lights.
• When using old lights, examine them for damage including frayed wires.
• Do not let tree light bulbs to directly touch the tree, curtains, wrapped gifts or anything flammable.
• Turn off tree lights when going to bed or leaving home.

Outdoor Decoration Safety Tips

• Only use lights approved for outdoor use.
• Make sure to properly secure outdoor lights and decorations with insulated hooks.
• Keep water out by using electrical connection protectors.
• Do not overload circuits.
• Do not put nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation.
• After the holidays, take down and bring in outdoor electrical lights.

Candle Safety

• Make sure there is a 1-foot circle around a burning candle that is cleared of anything flammable.
• Blow out candles before leaving a room or building.
• Do not leave burning candles unattended.
• Use a saucer or candle holder that is fireproof.
• Make sure candles are kept out of the reach of children and pets.
• Consider using a flameless candle.

Cooking Safety

• In the event of a grease fire, smother the flames with a lid and turn off the heat or use baking soda.
• Moving a burning pan can cause a fire to spread.
• Do not throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will spread the fire and the extinguisher could splash flaming grease.
• Never leave food, grease or oils cooking on the stovetop without supervision.
• Do not wear loose or long sleeves when cooking, as it can catch fire.
• Stop, drop and roll if your clothes catch fire.
• Run burns under cool water and call 9-1-1 for help if you’re burned.
• Keep children and pets three feet away from the stove.
• Do not store or use flammable objects, such as towels, paper or plastic bags near heating elements.
• If a fire starts in an oven or microwave, close the door, turn the appliance off and call the fire department.
• Do not put metal inside a microwave.
• Unplug appliances such as toasters and coffeemakers when you are not using them.
• Do not store items in an oven.

Chief Partridge is also reminding residents to test and maintain their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month.

In case of a fire emergency, call 9-1-1.

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