TREES: As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart, and follow these tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association for Christmas Tree safety.

A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large and out-of-control very quickly.

When picking your holiday tree make sure to choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not simply fall off upon touch.

When bringing the tree home and placing it in your home make sure to cut two inches from the base of trunk before placing it in the tree stand and add water to the stand daily. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat sources, such as, fireplaces, radiators, candles, space heaters, heat vents or lights. A heat source placed too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four fires.

Never block an exit with your tree.

One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems so it is imperative when placing lighting features on the family Christmas tree to make sure to use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory — also check the label because some lights are specific and made only for indoor or outdoor use.

Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections and make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for the limit to the number of stands to connect. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree or around the tree. Always turn off lights placed on the Christmas tree before leaving home or going to bed.

Finally, once the holidays are over make sure to get rid of the tree immediately or once it has become dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. A helpful suggestion for tree disposal would be to locate the nearest recycling program.