With family gatherings happening all over the country celebrating the Christmas holiday over the weekend and next week, the Indianola Fire Department wants to remind residents about basic safety with Christmas Trees and decorations.

Aaron Hurt with the fire department tells KNIA News people often move around furniture and decorations, and there are several things to keep in mind.

“Before you place the tree, make sure it is three feet away from any significant heat source such as a fireplace, radiator, or candles, or even Christmas lights in the windows. Another thing is to make sure you don’t put it in the way of an exit. Sometimes we move things out of convenience and in case of an emergency you really don’t want to have a tree blocking an exit.”

Hurt also said that if the tree is real, to make sure it is not dry because that significantly increases the risk of fire.