Holiday Decorating Hazards - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

Holiday decorations can go from delightful to dangerous in just seconds.

New numbers from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) point to a recent increase in injuries related to holiday decorations.

The estimated number of incidents -- including fires -- has gone up from 12,000 in 2009 to 14,000 in 2011.

CPSC estimates Christmas tree fires cost consumers as much as $19-million in property damage between 2008 and 2010.

Inez Tenenbaum Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission says, "Consumers are buying [Christmas Trees] earlier and earlier and that can cause problems. Often people are having such a great time during the holidays that they forget to water the tree which can lead to a terrible fire."

In addition to keeping the tree stand filled with water, place the tree a safe distance from heat sources. You should also throw away lights with broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections.