It's the most wonderful time of the year and also the busiest time of the year. Follow these tips to ensure your holiday doesn't look like a scene from "Christmas Vacation."

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HOME SAFETY

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Water a live Christmas tree every day. Keep your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources and never let it dry out.

• Never overload extension cords and don't allow your pets to bite any cords.

• If using candles or space heaters, be sure to keep them away from flammable materials such as curtains or Christmas trees. 

• When cooking, always wear short sleeves and turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.  Never leave food on the stove or in the oven unattended. Most home fires start in the kitchen.

PHYSICAL SAFETY

• Play it safe and don't gamble with Mother Nature. Stay off the road during and after a winter storm.

• If you must use a ladder to put up/take down Christmas lights, make sure you are not alone, in case of a fall.  Never do this type of work in icy or windy conditions.

SECURITY

• When you're away, program some lights to occasionally turn on with timers, and consider investing in security cameras.

• When shopping online, always shop from secure (https) and trusted websites, and make sure your computer's anti-virus software is up-to-date.

• If you receive an email that looks suspicious or presents an offer that looks too good to be true, never click on links or open attachments.