The holidays can get crazy with all of the shopping, driving, decorating and cooking. Sometimes people forget that accidents can happen.

The Rio Rancho Fire and Rescue team has released a statement about these problems and what the people of Rio Rancho can do about them.

First off, they say Christmas tree maintenance is a necessity.

“Trim the stump, inspect your lights, examine cords, keep the tree away from heat and water the tree,” the release says.

According to the department, if people don’t do these things, the Christmas tree can become a fire hazard.

“The three leading dates for home structure fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,” RRFR says.

They advise establishing a safe zone for kids, not holding children while cooking, not leaving cooking unattended and having a fire extinguisher ready.

It is also unwise to cook with a fryer near cars, trees or in a garage, according to the department.

“If food catches fire, slowly put a lid over it and shut off the heat source,” the release says.

Lastly, if people are traveling for the holidays, they should prepare their vehicle.

RRFR says people should make sure they have blankets/sleeping bags, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, extra clothing, a tow rope and a shovel.

Of course, if there’s an emergency, call 911.