As many individuals are decorating their homes for Christmas with festive lighting, and ornamented trees, the decorative items can also pose a fire risk if handled improperly.

The National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments, respond to an estimated annual average of 230 home structure fires that begin with Christmas trees, according to a release from the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s office.

On average, one of every 40 reported home Christmas tree fires results in a death, compared to an average of one death per 142 total reported home fires.

Extreme caution should be used to prevent a normally joyous time from becoming tragic, the release said.

In addition, holiday lights and other decorative lighting are involved in an estimated annual average of 160 home fires per year. These fires cause an average of nine civilian deaths, 16 injuries and $8.4 million in direct property damage per year.

“December is an exciting time where just about every home in the neighborhood is accented with decorations and seasonal lighting,” Alabama State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said in a release. “Although decorations and Christmas trees certainly spread holiday cheer, it is important to follow basic safety steps so celebrations remain joyful.”

Here a few Christmas safety tips from the NFPA and the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office:

•Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.

•Keep lit candles away from decorations or anything that can burn. Paulk advises against the use of candles altogether.

•Remember, a candle represents an open flame, which can easily ignite anything that can burn,” Paulk said. “Certainly never use lit candles to decorate your tree.”

•Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory and check the packaging.  Some lights are only for indoor use.

•Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more strands than instructions recommend.

•Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

•Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

For proper Christmas tree safety:

•Keep your tree well watered.  The drier the tree, the more dangerous it becomes.

•Replace any string of lights with worn or broken bulbs or loose bulb connections.  Connect no more strands than instructions recommend.

•Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.

•Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

•Get rid of the tree when it is dry.  Check for recycling opportunities.

•Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent deterioration and hazards and to make them last longer.