The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, delicious feasts, and festive decorations. Unfortunately, this season also brings a higher risk of house fires. In fact, Thanksgiving Day sees more than three times the number of home cooking fires compared to any other day, while December is a peak time for fires caused by candles and holiday decorations, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
With a little preparation and caution, you can reduce the risk of a holiday fire and focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones. Below are some essential fire safety tips to help keep your home safe throughout the entire holiday season.
Prioritize Kitchen and Cooking Safety
During the holiday season, cooking for large gatherings and juggling multiple dishes can easily lead to distractions, making it easy to overlook important safety precautions. Keep these kitchen safety tips in mind as you prepare holiday meals:
- Stay in the kitchen: Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. Whether you’re frying, grilling, or baking, always keep an eye on your cooking.
- Keep flammable items away from the stove: Dish towels, paper towels, and wooden utensils can ignite easily if placed too close to a burner or stovetop.
- Use timers and alarms: With multiple dishes underway, it’s easy to lose track. Use kitchen timers and phone reminders to help you stay on schedule.
Practice Safe Candle and Decoration Use
December and January are the peak months for candle fires, each accounting for 11% of all candle-related fires annually. Here’s how to enjoy candles safely:
- Opt for flameless candles: LED candles can create a cozy atmosphere without the risk of open flames. They’re especially recommended if you have young children or pets.
- Keep candles away from flammable items: If you’re using real candles, keep them at least three feet away from decorations, curtains, and other flammable items. Remember to extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
- Use fire-resistant decorations: Decorations made of natural materials like dried leaves, pinecones, and wood may look festive, but they’re also highly flammable. Try to use fire-resistant or flame-retardant decorations wherever possible.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips
From 2018 to 2022, an average of 155 home fires each year were caused by Christmas trees. Follow these tips to help reduce that risk:
- Choose a fresh tree and keep it watered: A dry Christmas tree is a serious fire hazard. Make sure you buy a fresh tree with green, flexible needles, and water it daily to keep it from drying out.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources: Position your Christmas tree at least three feet away from fireplaces, heaters, and candles. This will reduce the risk of the tree catching fire.
- Turn off tree lights when not in use: Whether you’re leaving the house or going to bed, always turn off your Christmas tree lights. Prolonged heat from the lights can dry out the tree, increasing fire risk.
Inspect Holiday Lights and Electrical Decor
Holiday lights add a festive sparkle to your home, but they can also present fire risks if not used safely:
- Check for frayed wires and broken bulbs: Before putting up lights, inspect each strand for damage. Frayed wires and broken bulbs can cause electrical fires.
- Use lights rated for indoor or outdoor use: Not all holiday lights are created equal. Only use lights that are designed for outdoor use on exterior displays and follow manufacturer instructions carefully.
- Avoid overloading outlets: Overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords can overheat and start a fire. Use power strips with built-in circuit breakers to prevent overloading.
Maintain Your Heating Equipment
As temperatures drop, many households turn to space heaters, fireplaces, and other heating equipment to stay warm. Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires in winter, so it’s crucial to use it safely:
- Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials: This includes furniture, bedding, curtains, and decorations.
- Turn off space heaters when not in use: Always turn off and unplug space heaters when you’re leaving the room or going to bed.
- Have fireplaces and chimneys inspected annually: The NFPA recommends having your chimney cleaned and inspected each year to ensure it’s safe to use.
By following these fire safety tips, you can help ensure a safer environment for all your holiday celebrations. Taking extra care in the kitchen and making sure your decorations and heating equipment are secure can make a big difference in protecting your home and loved ones.
On a final note, it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place to protect your home and belongings during the holiday season. Accidents can happen, and having the proper coverage gives you peace of mind knowing you’re protected. Contact one of our agents today to review your policy and ensure you’re fully covered for any unexpected events.
Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts.
Sources
NFPA Thanksgiving Safety Tips
NFPA – Winter Holidays
NFPA Safe Heating Practices
U.S. Fire Administration Holiday Fire Safety
