As the holiday season begins, Gilbert Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to keep safety in mind while decorating, entertaining and preparing homes for cooler weather.

Holiday decorating safety

Fires and injuries can occur during decorating, with more than one-third of decoration-related fires caused by candles, according to national fire data. To reduce risks:

• Keep candles away from decorations, curtains and other flammable materials.
• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Check whether lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use.
• Turn off lights and decorations before sleeping.
• Water live Christmas trees regularly to prevent them from drying out.
• Use ladders safely by having someone nearby and avoiding overreaching.

Smoke detector maintenance