With the Christmas holidays rapidly approaching, most people are decorating Christmas trees and their homes -- indoors and out.

Reece Oestreich, city of Lampasas fire marshal, said the Yule holidays can spell disaster if people don’t follow safety tips and use caution and common sense.

Oestreich offered suggestions to make sure this holiday season will be a safe one.

Don’t use indoor Christmas lights outside, he said. “They may not be waterproof and might not be able to stand up to the elements. And by the same token, don’t use outdoor lights indoors unless the box says for indoor/ outdoor use. The outdoor lights may give off more heat than indoor lights.”

Oestreich also reminded those who use live Christmas trees to make sure trees are watered. “Trees can dry out after they have been sitting in the home for a while, and the smallest spark can cause a fire. They are like gasoline -- very flammable.”

The fire marshal also noted that residents should not use lights that have had the wires cut or with bare wiring exposed. “Don’t try to use electrical tape to repair them. It is best to just discard them,” he said. “Electrical tape is not designed to be an insulator for wire; it is just a temporary fix.”

Don’t overload electrical circuits, Oestreich cautioned. Watch circuits that already have other electrical items plugged in. “Most homes have a television and a VCR or stereo plugged in, plus other electrical items, and when they try to plug in a Christmas tree, it can be a dangerous overload to the system.”

He noted that limiting the number of extension cords also makes good sense.

Oestreich suggested residents turn off Christmas lights when they leave home. “Especially if you have a real tree. You could have an electric short and if no one is home, that could spell disaster. By unplugging the lights, that eliminates the possibility of that happening.”

Also, don’t leave candles around combustible items, such as decorative paper on the table, or near curtains, he said. “Lit candles should be within your view at all times. Don’t ever leave a room with a candle unattended, and if you leave your home, extinguish candles.”

Oestreich also suggested that residents not leave electrical wires or lights where animals may chew on them or get tangled up in them.

The fire marshal suggested using shingle tabs for exterior lighting. “They are new on the market, and they take the bulbs and elevate them above combustibles, such as shingles or exterior wood. They are fairly inexpensive. I use them on my own home.”

Be sure to use lights designed specifically for the job, he said. Oestreich recommended using products that feature a Factory Mutual stamp on them. “These Factory Mutual stamps are on Christmas lights that have been inspected individually. I think they are a better way to go to assure safety.”

Most people are satisfied with lights that bear the Underwriters’ Laboratory -- UL listing -- he said. “That UL listing is a set of standards that manufacturers have to meet. But the UL listing does not guarantee the safety of the product,” said Oestreich.

“There are products out there that are safe, if you know what to look for.”

Oestreich also suggested using lights that produce very little heat and are energy-efficient. “They are easily accessible,” he noted.

Installing both carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors inside the home is recommended. The fire department has smoke detectors to give residents who need them.

For information, assistance or safety information on particular products, phone 556-3446.