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When lighting your menorah, make sure to have a drip dish or foil underneath to catch any drippings. Also make sure to place your menorah in a safe place; one in which curious hands cannot reach. And, make sure not to let open flames get too close to draperies, as a fire could easily occur.

If you choose to buy a live tree this year, the trick is to buy the freshest tree you can find---maybe even cut your own tree for maximum freshness. Make sure the needles are green and moist. Keep your tree stand filled with water to avoid drying out the tree.

Pick a fairly heavy tree stand with widespread legs. This will help keep the tree stable if you have curious pets or small children. The basin of the stand should be wide enough for the trunk of the tree and easily accessible to add water as needed.

Once you have your tree up and secure, it’s time to decorate. Do not use lights any larger than a night-light size and double check the label for the UL seal, which means it’s safe from shock and fire. In addition, make sure the lights you put on your tree are for "indoor use only" and that you do not exceed the safe limit on the UL seal. Never use candles or open flames on a tree, and don’t put your tree near a fireplace or a furnace.

The same precautions are necessary when using outdoor lights. Any extension cords you use also need to be approved by the UL seal. Be especially careful not to overload your electrical circuits.

Although they don’t present the electrical hazards that tree lights do, ornaments require care as well. One possible hazard that can be missed is the wire hanger used to put ornaments on trees. Shaped like a fishhook, it can get stuck in bad places--like a small throat-- quite easily. Glass ornaments are another hazard; they break easily and the pieces can cut you or your child.

There is one other relatively unknown hazard: mistletoe. Some mistletoe can be poisonous. Even though mistletoe is usually hung in high places, it’s a good idea to keep it well out of the reach of children.

The Health Alliance Emergency Departments, which include The Christ Hospital, The University Hospital, The St. Luke Hospitals (East and West), The Jewish Hospital and The Fort Hamilton Hospital, wish you a safe holiday season and a prosperous and healthy 2000.