Today is the 1st December, and in my household that means it's time to put up the christmas decorations!

But Christmas? Home insurance? Where's the link you ask?

Each year, far too many home fires are caused by christmas decorations. It takes just one faulty light to potentially start a fire. Then before you know it, you are calling your insurer to claim for fire damage on your home insurance or contents insurance.

Here are some handy christmas lights safety tips to help avoid a fire in your home this year.

• Avoid overloading your power outlets. Avoid double adapters and powerboards- try to have one set of christmas lights per power outlet.
• Check if your home has a safety switch. These detect faulty wiring and protect. Use a portable safety switch if you do not have one installed.
• Only specially made external power points should be used outside your home. Internal power points are not made to handle exposure to weather.
• Always follow the manufacturers instructions when putting up your christmas decorations.
• Check that your christmas lights meet Australian Standards- check for a compliance number on the packaging.
• Never use damaged or faulty christmas lights.
• Don't buy second hand christmas lights as you do not know their condition or history.
• Never use indoor christmas lights outside. Similarly, do not use indoor extension cords outside.
• Don't cover or modify your christmas lights.
• Do not hang christmas lights near any flammable object.
• Always switch off your christmas lights when you go out or go to sleep.
• Turn off your christmas lights when changing bulbs, when it is raining or when you are watering your tree.

Find out more about home insurance and contents insurance from Real Insurance.