The U.S. Postal Service says don't delay in sending holiday cards and packages to distant destinations. Packages should be mailed by the following deadlines in order to arrive by Dec. 25:
Monday, Dec. 10: Priority and first class APO/FPO military mail (other than to Afghanistan), and international first class and priority mail
Friday, Dec. 14: U.S. parcel post ground packages
Monday, Dec. 17: Express overseas military mail
Wednesday, Dec. 19: Global express mail
Thursday, Dec. 20: Cards and letters
Friday, Dec. 21: Priority mail
Saturday, Dec. 22: Express mail
Holiday decorations make a home festive for the season, but also increase the chances of fire.
Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles and the Christmas tree from creating a tragedy.
• Don't put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
• Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
• Keep the live tree stand filled with water at all times.
• Use only nonflammable decorations.
• Don't link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it's safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
• Avoid using lit candles; consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.
• Ensure that Christmas trees and other holiday decorations don't block an exit way.
For more tips on how to prevent a holiday fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home, visit the U.S. Fire Administration's website at www.usfa.fema.gov.