The holidays are a time for friends, family and appreciating all there is to be thankful for. As the festive season approaches, PPL Electric Utilities is encouraging customers to keep safety top of mind while celebrating. Whether decorating your home inside or outside, give yourself the gift of a safe holiday season.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical cords or lighting equipment were involved in 40 percent of home holiday tree fires, and nearly one in five were started by decorative lights.

Here are eight tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe while enjoying the holiday season:

• Check light strands; throw out any strands that are damaged and replace them with LED bulbs. Check wall sockets, wires and connections to make sure they’re in good working order.

• Place decorations and trees at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators and candles. If using candles, blow them out when you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Inspect your cords to make sure they’re marked for proper use. Use plastic or insulated clips to secure your cords. Avoid using nails, screws or tacks. Avoid running extension cords under rugs or in high traffic areas.

• If you have a natural tree, water it frequently to keep it fresh. The heat from incandescent bulbs can ignite a dry tree. If you have incandescent bulbs, consider switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs.

• Be mindful of your electrical load. While some of us may enjoy big, beautiful and bright displays, overloading can cause fires. Follow manufacturer guidelines for how many sets of lights can be safely connected to your outlets and extension cords.

• When decorating outdoors, always carry ladders parallel to the ground and look up for power lines before setting up your ladder.

• Always hang your decorations during daylight hours.

• At night, make sure to turn your holiday lights and decorations off before leaving home and going to bed.