Every year, emergency rooms treat about 12,800 people for holiday decoration-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Christmas trees alone cause about 300 fires, causing 10 deaths, 40 injuries and $7 million in property damage. Candles lead to 15,000 fires, 140 deaths and $307 million in losses.

The agency said faulty lights, dried-out trees and other decorations lead to falls, cuts, shocks and burns.

On order to prevent injuries this year, it sent out a list of safe decorating tips.

Trees, Decorations

Look for "fire resistant" labels on artificial trees.

Check for freshness on live trees. Needles should be hard to remove and branches shouldn't break easily. The bottom should be sticky.

Keep trees away from fireplaces and radiators, and keep the stand filled with water.

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree.

Avoid sharp or breakable decorations if small children will be around. Trimmings that resemble candy or food may tempt children to eat them.

Wear gloves when decorating with spun glass "angel hair."

Lights

Use only lights that have been tested for safety.

Check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

If using an extension cord, make sure it is rated for the intended use.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

When using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use and plug them in only ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected receptacles.

Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.

Candles

Keep burning candles within sight.

Keep burning candles away from items that can burn easily.

Always use non-flammable holders and keep away from children and pets.

Keep lighted candles away from trees, other evergreens, and decorations.

Extinguish all candles before you go to bed or leave the house.

Fireplaces

Use care with "fire salts," which produce colored flames. They contain heavy metals that, if eaten, can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation and vomiting.

Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace.

Place a screen around your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby flammable materials.