Lights, candles and cooking may make the holiday season festive, but without proper care, they also increase a family’s risk of a home fire.

“Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries, usually involving the stovetop,” said Dolly Hulin, fire and life safety director at Thomasville Fire Department. “We recommend that parents create a ‘kid-free zone’ at least three feet around the stove or any areas where hot food and drinks are prepared.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that people stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. When simmering, boiling, basting or roasting, check food regularly and use a timer. If there is a small grease fire, slide a lid over the pan, turn off the stovetop and leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For a small oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Hulin said that in the event of a cooking fire, family members should leave immediately, close the door behind them and call 911. If someone tries to fight the fire, the person should be sure that others are getting out and he or she has access to an exit.

“December is the peak month for home candle fires,” Hulin said. “More than half of all candle fires start when candles are too close to things such as curtains or other holiday decorations. Make sure that if you’re burning candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you go to bed or leave the room.”

The NFPA recommends using battery-operated flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. When using traditional candles, use candleholders that are sturdy and won’t tip over. Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.

Lit candles should never be used to decorate Christmas trees, which Hulin said create another major fire hazard during the holiday season.

“As it gets right up to the day we unwrap presents, we stop watering the tree, so it’s drying out,” she said. “That’s the biggest hazard. If the tree dries out, the lights can cause a fire.”

A stand for a fresh tree should hold at least one gallon of water, because a six-foot tree can use up to a gallon of water every two days, Hulin said. Artificial trees should be labeled as fire-retardant, according to the NFPA. Only use UL-approved lights on Christmas trees, and do not link more than three strands together.

For more information about fire safety, view the fire department’s presentation on Channel 13 or visit www.nfpa.org.

Staff Writer Karissa Minn can be reached at 888-3576 or newsdesk@tvilletimes.com.