As the holiday season gets underway, South County Fire offers this checklist to help you deck the halls safely:

– Replace strings of lights if cords are worn, broken or have loose light bulb connections.

– Check indoor/outdoor use ratings for lights. Follow manufacturer's instructions on the maximum number of light strands to connect.

– Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so cords do not get damaged.

– Use a sturdy ladder or step stool for hard-to-reach spots. Maintain three points of contact when climbing a ladder – two hands and foot or two feet and a hand.

– Place the Christ...