‘Tis the season to deck the halls, but it’s also the season for residential fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments in the U.S. respond to an average of 790 home fires per year that begin with holiday decorations.

So, as you prepare to hang the stockings by the chimney with care, make sure to follow these safety tips.

• Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Use an artificial tree instead of a natural cut tree. But if you do use a natural tree in your home, make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces or heat vents. Also, keep the tree well-watered so it doesn’t dry out prematurely.
• If using holiday lights, make sure they are UL-listed. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Make sure you’ve got the right kinds of lights for your use.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations or other things that can catch fire, especially natural Christmas trees or fresh wreaths or greens. Flameless candles are recommended.
• While holiday lights may twinkle the best at night, make sure to turn them off before leaving home or going to bed.

Read additional tips on safe decorating, from Alabama Power, here.

This story originally appeared on the University of Alabama’s website.