Whether you're planning to be at home visiting with family, or taking a winter getaway during the holidays, it's important to protect yourself and your home.

CAA Saskatchewan says there are some holiday safety tips you should keep in mind.

Ensure that your artificial Christmas trees are fire resistant, and that live trees are always fresh and moist. Set up your tree away from fireplaces, heaters, and other heat sources.

It's always a good idea to keep packaging of high priced items out of sight. Don't give burglars a shopping list of what they may find in your home.

Have your chimney and furnace professional cleaned and inspected. And make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working.

If you are going to be away for the holidays, arrange for someone to pick up your mail, or contact your mail service to hold your mail until you return.

Show discretion on social media, never letting people know that you're away from home.

Ensure all doors and windows are locked, and use timers to turn lights on and off, and possibly even the T.V. while you're gone.

Turn off your water supply and leave blinds and curtains in their normal position...don't close them completely.

And close and lock your garage door. Keep your vehicle locked as well, especially if it has an electric door opener.

For more tips and information visit caask.ca/insurance/insurance-tips