Central Maine Power Company is urging its customers to follow some simple electrical safety tips so they can have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

In addition to testing smoke detectors and planning emergency fire escape routes, people should keep the following safety tips in mind:

— The combination of dried Christmas tree limbs and hot lights can be dangerous, so keep the tree fresh. The average tree can consume up to a gallon of water a day.

— Decorate the tree with miniature lights that produce much less heat.

— Make sure electric window candles do not touch drapes or other flammable objects.

— Don’t overload circuits or extension cords.

— Always turn holiday lights off before going to sleep and when you leave home.

— Only use lights and cords that have been factory tested. Check for the UL label on the packaging.