Holiday hazards and tips to keep your holiday celebrations safe

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With the holidays already here, there are some hazards and safety tips to be aware of. ABC 17 spoke with Boone County Assistant Fire Chief Gale Blomenkamp on what to lookout for.

If you own a real Christmas tree, be sure to water them regularly. When Christmas trees become too dry they become brittle and susceptible to fire and cause extensive damage. If you have any lights, make sure there are no frayed or exposed wires.

One of the biggest things first responders see are tripping hazards. If you have outside decorations, make sure cords are out of the way and that the area is well lit.

When cooking keep people who shouldn't be in the kitchen out of the kitchen, such as children. Pot handles should be turned inward and do not wear loose fitted clothes. It could catch the pot handle, pull it off the stove and burn you.

If you have company coming for the holidays be sure to not get distracted while cooking. "It's a busy time. And so distractions are even more apparent this time of year when you have a lot of company. So cooking fires are still the number one cause of fires in America and it's because of unattended cooking. So don't get caught up talking to the neighbor and leave. Something burning on the stove," said Blomenkamp.