A home that's been decorated for the holidays are a delight to the eye, but they're also filled with things that start & spread fires, according to the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM). But there are a few common sense steps can help keep the holiday season happy and safe. These are the 3 most serious holiday hazards needing the closest attention:

Candles: A single candle, when placed near most upholstered furniture, a personal computer, newspapers, Christmas trees, stuffed toys or drapes, is more than capable of starting a fire that will destroy a home, as well as everything and everyone in it. For a safer home, avoid large displays of burning candles. Never leave candles burning when you're not there to watch them. Keep burning candles out of the reach of children or pets. Keep candles away from drafts and vents. Trim wicks to 1/4" prior to each use. Always use containers that have been made for use with candles. Extinguish candles before they reach the bottom of their holders. And keep matches, wick trimmings and foreign objects out of the candle wax.

Christmas trees: A dried-out Christmas tree does not simply burn, it literally bursts into flames. For a safer home, buy only a freshly-cut tree. Cut an inch or two off the bottom of the trunk before bringing it indoors. Keep the base of your tree in plenty of water. Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents, and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree. Before the tree dries out and starts dropping needles, move it outside. Never try to burn branches from the tree in your fireplace.

Holiday lights: How can those tiny little lights pose much of a hazard? By plugging them into same outlet that powers a television set. While most light sets are made properly, too many are not. Fires caused by short circuits in holiday light sets are far too common. For a safer home, unplug lights (especially those on a tree) when you are not there to admire them. Use only lights that bear a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label. Check the strings for signs of wear and tear. Do not use lights that are frayed or operate with missing or broken bulbs. If the plug or wires feel warm at any time, throw them out. Use no more than three sets of lights per extension cord, and do not place the cords under rugs or in paths of travel. And never use indoor holiday lights outside.

National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)

Add your own tips here and remember not drink and drive during the holiday season. We want all you back here safe and sound.

These suggestions are not just for the holidays. They apply all winter.

Check your chimney and have it cleaned if hasn't been done recently. A clogged chimney can build up heat and cause the walls of the home to heat and catch fire. Flames coming out of a clogged chimney can ignite a roof.

Dispose of your ashes properly. Put them in a metal container, not a box or bag, and do not set them on any wooden surfaces (porch, deck, near walls of wooden structures). Remember that ashes can stay hot for several days even when you think they are out.

The holiday season is full of music, laughter and joy, but it can also be full of dangers for your four-legged friends. PETsMART and its in-store veterinarian service, Banfield The Pet Hospital, offer the following tips to keep the holidays pet friendly:

* Electric cords: Though the lights make your home look festive, don't forget the cords connected to them are a tempting chew toy for any kitten or puppy. Make sure to secure or cover them so to prevent any shocks or burns your little pal might get from his unknowing nibbles.

* Christmas trees: If you have one of those lovable, large breeds that enjoy nothing more than to bound around the house looking for attention and affection, you can just expect that sooner or later, he and your Christmas tree will collide & the tree will lose. Make sure your tree is well secured by anchoring it's top to a wall using a strong cord.

* Tinsel, mistletoe, holly, pine needles, and other tasty delights: Although you would never think to pop these into your mouth for a snack, your dog or cat may not feel the same way. Holly & mistletoe are extremely poisonous to pets. So is artificial snow. Be sure to keep these decorations out of reach for your pet, and consider spraying them with a botanical pet repellent. Swallowing tinsel can cause painful intestinal problems, and swallowing pine needles can puncture holes in your pet's intestine.

* People food: As much as they beg, it's just not healthy for them. Small bones or bone chips can get lodged in a pet's throat, stomach and intestines. Table scraps, especially the kind covered in rich gravy and fatty poultry skin, can cause severe gastrointestinal upset. And chocolate contains theobromine, which can be fatal in large doses.