As holidays approach, people begin to plan their holiday home decoration displays. These can be as simple as a lighted candle in the window to an ornate holiday display that attracts viewers from miles around. Each poses risks to homeowners' possessions and safety.

Decorations that are installed incorrectly, improperly or unsafely are a leading cause of home fires. While displays are routinely used to enhance the image of a home, they can cause damage. Anything from a poorly maintained light strand or a simple stray candle to an improperly used fireplace can lead to fires that ruin the holiday season.

Throughout the United States, there are approximately 13,000 candle-related fires each year, resulting in 140 deaths and $205 million in property losses. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 300 fires annually, resulting in 10 deaths, 30 injuries and an average of more than $10 million in property loss and damage, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some simple safety tips to remember when installing holiday decorations:

• Never overload an outlet with too many extension cords. Always use a surge protector if multiple outlets are needed.
• Immediately replace any broken bulbs or lights that have exposed filaments.
• Never run an extension cord in an area where it cannot be easily seen. Electrical cords underneath carpets or between pieces of siding are more difficult to inspect for damage, thus are more at risk for triggering a fire.
• Use only UL-approved or FM-approved extension cords. Make sure to never connect more than 3 strings in a row.

• Never put lit candles near curtains, drapes or any other potentially flammable items.
• Menorahs should be displayed with ample space around them to prevent ignition of any unintended materials.
• Live Christmas trees should be kept secure in a sturdy stand and well-watered. A dry tree is more likely to ignite. Do not use lit candles on the tree.
• Do not burn evergreens or wreaths in a fireplace. They are likely to flare up and send flames and smoke into the room.
• Do not burn wrapping paper in a fireplace. A flash fire may result, since highly flammable wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
• Never leave candles or lights on overnight, or when no one is in the house. A fire that starts in an unattended house will rapidly grow before it is noticed by anybody.
• Do not use a fireplace that has stockings hanging from it. While they may appear to be a comfortable distance away, the heat can cause them or their contents to ignite.

• Never plug an extension cord into a wet outlet. This can cause a shock hazard or a potential fire.
• Make sure that trees that are being decorated do not contact electrical power lines.
• Before using lights outdoors, check their labels to make sure that they have been certified for outdoor usage.
• Always check outdoor decorations after a storm. What might have been in working condition earlier can turn into a fire hazard very easily.
• Always fasten decorations firmly. A loose decoration or ornament can cause severe damage to a home if it becomes free.

Safety tips provided by the Insurance Council of New Jersey.