There have been quite a few holiday lights popping up on homes and trees around town. ‘Tis the season. However, every year house fires peak in December and January. So if you plan on decorating your home will all the lights you can muster this year, the Seattle Fire Department has some safety tips for you to reduce the chance of your festive decorations becoming a fire hazard. They write:

Over the weekend, a house fire in Seattle was caused by an overloaded electrical outlet that had multiple strings of Christmas lights plugged into it. The fire caused $20,000 in damage. Every year, Christmas trees and lighting-related fires spike in December and January. Cords and plugs are the leading type of equipment involved in the ignition of Christmas trees.

Before you hang up holiday lights this year, Seattle Fire Department wants to remind you to make sure you take the following steps:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use decorative lights.
• Do not use any string lights with worn, frayed or broken cords or loose bulbs .
• Do not connect more than three light strands together.
• To avoid damage to the cord, do not use nails or staples to hang lights.
• Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to sleep.

See more holiday safety tips here.