By AliciaMarie Belchak
　　NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters Health) - Glittering lights and glowing candles are typical of the season, but as the holidays draw near, experts recommend keeping an eye on safety.

About 8,700 people are treated for injuries related to holiday decorations, lights and Christmas trees each year, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). On average, fires involving Christmas trees claim 20 lives, injure nearly 70 people and result in more than $15 million in property loss and damage annually.

Ken Giles, a spokesman for the CPSC, said keeping safety in mind while decorating could help prevent these injuries and fires. Simple measures--including turning off lights when gone, not leaving candles unattended, and being mindful of decorations people can trip over--can make the holidays safer and happier for everyone, he pointed out.

"The two big hazards that kind of go together (at this time of year) are live Christmas trees and electric lights," Giles told Reuters Health. "In combination, these two things are potentially dangerous (for causing fires)."

Giles urges consumers to carefully select their trees and make sure lights meet safety standards. Many fires start because trees dry out and there is a nearby heat or ignition source--such as candles or lights, he said.

Live Christmas trees should be fresh and as moist as possible, Giles said. No needles should fall off when the tree is shook or stamped on the ground. Be sure to keep the tree fresh once it is home by making a new cut on the trunk and filling the stand with plenty of water.

When purchasing an artificial tree, the CPSC suggests choosing one labeled "fire resistant." This label indicates that although the tree can still catch fire, it should resist burning and be easily extinguished.

As for lights, consumers should take stock of their inventory and eliminate potential hazards. Throw out strings of lights that are frayed, cracked or cut around the wire insulation, anything that could allow wires to touch, Giles advised. Older light sets should also be discarded as they do not meet today's safety standards.

"The new (lights) on the market...are safe, and they will have a label stating they meet voluntary safety standards," Giles said.

The CPSC also recommends using no more than three strings of lights per extension cord and turning them off at night or while out of the house.

"Some people leave the house and want to come home to a beautifully decorated and lit house, but we're saying turn them off," Giles said. "Any flame or heat source is a potential ignition (or fire) source." Safety could be the best gift to give this year, he noted.

(From Reuters)