ANN ARBOR—As the holidays approach, the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds everyone to keep safety in mind as they string the holly and light their trees.

“People can do some very simple things to ensure a safe holiday season, especially when it comes to preventing fires,” said U-M Fire Marshal Robert Patrick, DPS associate director.

Patrick offers the following safety tips for preventing holiday fires:

• Make sure smoke detectors and batteries are working properly.

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Use plastic trees labeled “flame resistant” by a recognized testing laboratory. Metallic trees, such as the aluminum alloy type, are prohibited by code to be decorated with electric lights. Patrick suggests using a remote floodlight to illuminate metallic trees.

• Natural trees should not be set up earlier than 10 days before Christmas, and should be taken down immediately after Christmas. Cutting the bottom inch off the trunk will allow the tree to absorb more water and keep its needles fresher.

• The tree-holder should always have a filled water reservoir. The tree should be substantially supported and located in a remote area of a room, where it will not block an exit from the room or house.

• Lights used anywhere should be UL approved and checked for safety before installation. This includes checking for cracked or broken sockets, loose plugs or connectors and bare wires.

• Before installing lights, place them on a nonflammable surface and plug them in for 10-15 minutes. Then check for smoking and melting of electrical parts. No more than 200 miniature or 50 larger lights should be connected through one cord.

• Decorating materials should be noncombustible, such as metal or glass, to lessen the chance of fire. Avoid using untreated materials such as cotton batting, paper, cloth and dried plants because they ignite easily and burn intensely.

• Avoid using polystyrene foam for candle holders or other decorations. Oil paints and inflammable liquids should not be used.