Holiday Fire Safety

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and gathering with loved ones, but the festive atmosphere,  with its twinkling lights, burning candles, and busy kitchens, also brings an increased risk of home fires.

Statistics show that preventable fires related to decorations, cooking, and heating spike during the winter holidays. To ensure your celebrations remain happy and safe, remember that a few simple precautions can go a long way in preventing a tragedy.

Here is your essential guide to staying fire-safe while you deck the halls and prepare your feasts:

Christmas Tree & Decoration Safety

• Freshness is Key (for real trees): Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off easily when touched. The trunks should be sticky.
• Water Daily: Keep the tree stand filled with water daily to prevent the tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. A dry tree can ignite and be fully consumed by fire in seconds!
• Placement: Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, heat vents, or candles.
• Exits: Ensure the tree and decorations do not block an exit way.
• Lights Inspection: Inspect all holiday lights yearly. Replace any string with frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.
• Electrical Limits: Do not overload outlets. Generally, do not connect more than three light strands unless the instructions say otherwise.
• Turn Off Lights: Always turn off decorative lights when leaving your home or going to sleep.
• Artificial Trees: If using an artificial tree, ensure it is labeled as fire-retardant.
• Disposal: Get rid of your tree promptly after the holiday or as soon as it dries out. Never burn a tree or wrapping paper in a fireplace.

Candle & Open Flame Safety

• Candles are a major cause of holiday decoration fires.
• Candle Placement: Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn (decorations, greenery, curtains, trees).
• Stable Surface: Place candles in sturdy, non-flammable holders where they won’t be easily knocked over by kids or pets.
• Extinguish: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Blow out all candles before leaving a room or going to bed.
• Alternatives: Consider using battery-operated, flameless candles for extra safety.

Cooking Safety

• Stay in the Kitchen: Stay in the Kitchen when frying, grilling, or boiling food. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
• Keep Clear: Keep flammable items like oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper, towels, and packaging away from the stovetop.
• Grease Fires: If a grease fire starts, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the heat. Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Oven Fires: Turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed until it is completely cool.

General Electrical & Preparedness

• Extension Cords: Use cords rated for indoor or outdoor use as intended. Do not run cords under rugs or pinch them in doorways, as this can damage insulation and cause a fire.
• Smoke Alarms: Test your smoke alarms this week! Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.

Remember that vigilance is your best decoration! Be alert, especially when hosting guests or when leaving the house. With these precautions in mind, you can ensure your home remains a cozy, safe haven throughout the season. Remember that vigilance is your best decoration! Be alert, especially when hosting guests or when leaving the house. With these precautions in mind, you can ensure your home remains a cozy, safe haven throughout the season.