The DeKalb Fire Department encourages everyone to be safe this holiday season and to keep the fire in the fireplaces.

Tips from the DeKalb Fire Department to be safe for the holidays:

1. Never use the oven as a heating device. Bake the cookies or fruitcake and turn the oven off.

2. Never leave cooking of any kind unattended.

3. If you use candles, make sure to use them in a safe manner in a fireproof container and away from children, curtains and pets.

4. Use protected power strips in place of extension cords for decorative lighting.

5. Do not use candles in or on tree decorations.

6. Keep real trees watered.

7. Do not leave heating devices unattended or turned on while you are sleeping.

8. Keep at least three feet of clear space from beds, drapes and furniture or other combustibles.

9. Clean and maintain chimneys, fireplaces and furnaces regularly. Most fires from wood stoves, fireplaces and chimneys are caused by a lack of regular cleaning.

10. Remove ashes from the wood stove or fireplace to a non-combustible bucket, even if the fire has been out for a long time.

11. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries twice a year.

Source: DeKalb Fire Department press release