Winter holidays are a festive time when folks gather and celebrate. Part of the fun of these holidays is being able to decorate your home and host dinners or other meals. However, with this excitement comes certain risks you and your household should be aware of.

Keep these tips in mind, so you can spend the holiday season safely in your home.

Check electrical equipment and decorations

If you're going to put up holiday lights inside or outside your home, make sure they're in good condition before using them. Check bulbs, wires and plugs for any with damage or in bad shape. Only use lights marked for outdoor use on the exterior of your home and lights marked for interior use inside your home.

Avoid putting any nails through cords or wires when hanging lights and other electrical decorations. Also avoid overloading any outlets, and turn your lights off when you won't be home.

Use candles safely

Festive candles, such as cinnamon or pine-scented candles, can add a cozy ambiance to your home during the holiday season. If you're going to be using candles, always keep them far away from any flammable objects or materials.

Put lit candles out of the reach of kids and pets to prevent burns and fires, and never leave these candles unattended while they're burning. Store lighters and matches in a place where pets and kids can't reach them.

Prevent kitchen fires

Kitchen fires are a common hazard during the holiday season as people prepare big meals while also entertaining guests. If you're going to be cooking for the holidays, never leave your stove unattended. If you're using the oven, check on it regularly to make sure nothing is burning. Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen to lower the risk of accidents, including burns from hot foods and liquids.

Choose safe decorations

Some holiday decorations can break easily or have sharp edges on them, while others can be toxic for kids and pets. Avoid having poinsettias or other poisonous plants. Instead, try decorating with artificial versions of festive plants. Remember, any live plants should be watered regularly to prevent possible fire hazards.