Essential Holiday Fire Safety Tips to Keep Your Home Safe This Season
The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and festive celebrations. From sparkling lights to beautifully decorated Christmas trees, the season brings joy and warmth to homes. However, with these decorations and gatherings come fire risks that could quickly turn a happy time into a dangerous one. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) urges everyone to take extra precautions to keep their homes safe this season. Here’s what you need to know to prevent holiday fires and keep your celebrations safe.
Christmas Tree & Decoration Fires: Decorate Safely
Christmas trees, lights, and other holiday decorations create a festive atmosphere, but they also present fire risks if not handled carefully. According to the NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 155 home fires caused by Christmas trees each year. While these fires are relatively uncommon, they can spread rapidly and cause significant damage.
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Christmas Tree Fires: Between 2018 and 2022, Christmas trees caused an average of 155 fires per year. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than 40% of these incidents. Be sure to check that your lights are in good condition and rated for indoor use. Never overload electrical circuits and avoid leaving lights on when leaving home or going to bed.
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Candle Safety: Candles, particularly around Christmas time, are a significant fire hazard. The NFPA reports that candles are the leading cause of decoration fires during the holiday season, causing nearly half (46%) of all holiday decoration fires in December. Keep candles away from anything that could catch fire, including trees, curtains, and furniture. Always blow out candles before leaving the room.
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Proper Christmas Tree Disposal: As Christmas trees dry out, they become extremely flammable. In fact, 36% of Christmas tree fires occur in January. Be sure to dispose of your tree promptly after the season ends, and avoid leaving it in the house or garage where it can pose a fire risk. For more Christmas tree safety tips from the NFPA, click here.
Holiday Cooking: Stay Safe in the Kitchen
Cooking is an essential part of the holiday season, with families gathering for large meals. However, cooking is also a major cause of home fires during the holidays. The NFPA reports that Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve are the top three days for home cooking fires, with cooking being the leading cause of holiday home fires overall.
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Stay in the Kitchen: When cooking, especially when frying, grilling, or broiling, stay in the kitchen. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove or oven. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
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Keep Flammable Items Away: Keep towels, paper towels, and other flammable materials away from cooking surfaces. Also, make sure to clean any grease buildup in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid grease fires.
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Keep Kids and Pets Away: Create a "kid-free zone" around the stove, oven, and any hot cooking equipment. This helps prevent accidents and ensures that no one gets too close to a hot surface or flame. For more cooking safety tips from the NFPA, click here.
General Holiday Fire Safety Tips
In addition to being mindful of Christmas trees and cooking, there are several other fire safety tips that can help protect your home and family during the holidays:
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Test Smoke Alarms: Make sure your smoke alarms are in working order. Test them regularly and change the batteries if needed, especially before the holidays when you’re using more lights and cooking.
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Be Cautious with Holiday Lights: When decorating with lights, inspect all cords and bulbs for damage before use. Use only lights that are certified for safety (look for the UL label). Don’t overload electrical circuits, and never run extension cords under rugs or through doorways where they could be damaged.
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Keep Fire Extinguishers Handy: Be sure to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near any fire-prone areas. Familiarize yourself with how to use it in case of an emergency. For more winter holiday safety tips from the NFPA, click here.
Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season
By following these holiday fire safety tips, you can ensure that your home remains safe and your celebrations stay joyful. Take the time to check your decorations, be cautious in the kitchen, and practice general fire safety this season—your family’s safety is the greatest gift you can give them.
Stay safe, stay festive, and enjoy a wonderful holiday season without the worry of fire hazards!
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
