The holidays are typically a joyous time filled with friends, family and decorations, and the last thing your family wants to deal with is a fire.
Keep the good times rolling this winter with these safety tips from Gulf Shores Fire Inspector Justin Parks.

LIGHTS
While stringing lights in your Christmas tree makes the perfect ambiance for your home, Parks said home owners should be careful to not overload any electrical outlets.

"Plugging too many lights into the same outlet can cause a buildup of heat that can result in a fire, but this can be avoided by limiting the amount of lights you plug into each electrical circuit," Parks said. "Always inspect your Christmas lights and extension cords for damage. Strands with worn cords, broken wires or loose connections should be discarded and replaced, and this is especially important when hanging lights on a Christmas tree."
Additionally, Parks said that when hanging lights outside, be sure to verify that the lights are created for outdoor use. Parks also said any outdoor lights should be placed in an area that is protected from rain and other natural elements.

FIREPLACES
While the cold weather is the perfect invitation to use a fireplace or light candles, he recommends staying mindful and diligent about cleaning before burning any wooden logs.
"Prior to starting a fire in your fireplace, you should always do a visual check to ensure the damper or flue is open, and the chimney should be checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping," Parks said. "Never leave a fire in the fireplace or candles unattended, and make sure they are completely out before going to bed or leaving the house."

HEATERS
If your family opts for a space heater instead of a fireplace, Parks said it is essential to keep it on a solid, flat surface away from any combustible materials.
"They should be plugged into a wall outlet directly and never used with an extension cord," Parks said. "If someone is looking to by a space heater, it is best to find one that has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over."

TREES
Parks said that homeowners with a real Christmas tree should water it routinely and check the water level daily.
"Trees that are neglected can dry out very quickly and increase a chance of a fire," Parks said. "Even though Christmas tree fires are not the leading cause of fires in the home, when they do occur they can spread very rapidly."

PETS
Parks also said that as the weather continues to drop, it is important to be mindful of your pet's safety when letting them outside.
"As the weather gets colder, it is important to remember that if it's too cold for you, it is too cold for your pets," Parks said. "They should be brought indoors or provided with a shelter to protect them during cold weather."
Additionally, Parks said that when leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances in case of a fire or emergency.
"Keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them," Parks said. "Pet alert windows and door clings or stickers can be used to alert firefighters that there are pets in your home."

HAVE A PLAN
Lastly, Parks stressed the importance of having a fire safety evacuation plan in place in case of an emergency, and maintaining safety measures within your house.
"Having a safety first mindset during the holidays can help prevent a fire in the home, but if a home fire does occur, it is just as important to have a plan in place," Parks said. "Smoke alarms should be checked monthly to ensure they are functioning properly, and everyone should have a home fire escape plan in place before a fire occurs that is reviewed and practiced at least once per year. That would include planning escape routes for every member and having a safe meeting place outside the home."