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Too many times each year, this scene ends in tragedy.

Follow these steps for a fire safe holiday:

• When you purchase a live tree, make sure it’s fresh. Needles should be green and springy to the touch.

• Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of the trunk before placing the tree in the stand. A fresh cut allows the tree to absorb water. Place the tree in water right away.

• Purchase a stand large enough to hold plenty of water, so that your tree has a constant water supply.

• Fill the tree stand with water every day.

• Make sure the tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, like floor vents, fireplaces, radiators, candles or lamps.

• Make sure your tree is not blocking an exit.

• Purchase flameless candles.

• Always turn the tree lights off or unplug them before going to bed or leaving your home.

• Use lights that are approved by a national testing organization like UL.

• Replace lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

 • Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands you can safely connect. Make sure you are using the right lights for indoors or outdoors.

• Remove your tree immediately after the holidays even if you think it is not dry.

• Make sure you heed the advice of our friends at UL and Close Before You Doze® — make sure you close the door of your bedrooms when you sleep, and also close doors behind you if you’re exiting your home during a fire. This helps stop the spread of fire and deadly smoke.

Keeping a dry tree is like inviting a forest fire into your home.

• Christmas tree fires are likely to be serious and deadly.

• Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially inside and outside sleeping areas.

• Remember to test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your fire escape plan.

• Practice your home fire escape plan regularly.

• 9 out of 10 U.S. fire deaths happen in the home. People are surprised to learn that the place they feel safest is where their risk of dying in a fire is greatest.

In loving memory of Don and Sandy Pyle and the Boone children. Gone too soon but not forgotten

For more information on fire safety, please Visit Common Voices online at www.FireAdvocates.org