Making sure your family is safe from fires should be a high priority over the Christmas season.

Fire Prevention Officer Clayton Rutberg with the High River Fire Department says there are things you need to keep in mind, like caring for a real tree,

"The base of the tree should be in water at all times," said Rutberg. "And keeping the tree away from other ignition sources like fireplaces or heaters and candles. Just so it doesn't come into contact with that heat to catch it on fire because they can be a significant hazard at this time of the year."

And he adds it is important to pay attention to the tasks at hand like cooking.

"Make sure if you are doing some holiday cooking that you are in the kitchen while it is cooking."

Also if you go out make sure any candles you have lit are extinguished.

And perhaps check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure everything is operational.

"Since we are at a little bit more of a risk for fires at this time of the year give your smoke detector button a push to make sure it is completely operational in case you have a fire."

With the colder weather right now the risk of carbon monoxide is higher and those detectors should be checked as well as making sure your furnace vents are clear of ice buildup.