When you think about it, Christmas time and this holiday season in general can be one big fire hazard. With all the activity and excitement going on, people can have a tendency to be less careful when perhaps they should be the most cautious.

The staff at the William Randolph Hearst Burn Center of New York Weill Cornell Medical Center urge you to keep in mind the following pointers during this holiday season:

Remember Christmas trees are cut early in the season and can quickly dry out, becoming a fire hazard.

Never put a Christmas tree in front of any exit.

Never decorate Christmas trees with candles, even if you don’t intend to light them — someone else might be tempted.

Buy only tree lights that have been inspected by the Underwriters Laboratory, and inspect and test them each year before putting them on the tree.

Never leave the tree lights on when you go out at night — if a wire should short out, it could start a fire.

Never place a Christmas tree near a fireplace. If there is no other place to put the tree, do not use the fireplace until the tree has been removed and the needles have been cleaned up.

Never leave religious or holiday candles burning unattended.