Holiday Fire Safety Tips

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year full of family, friends, and great food! However, decorations, cooking, and the colder weather can create dangers for your home. Follow our holiday fire safety tips, and make sure you have the proper fire and carbon monoxide (CO) safety equipment for your home, so you can be proactive this holiday season.

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

Holiday decorations are a great way to make your home feel extra festive! Between the Christmas trees, glitter and the flannel, these decorations can be extremely flammable. It is important to:

• Keep decorations at a safe distance away from sources of heat to help prevent a fire from starting. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than two or every five decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
• Place your Christmas tree at least 3 feet away from a heat source, including candles, fireplaces, radiators, heating vents, and lights.
• When decorating your tree with electrical lights, make sure to use indoor lights that are not broken or too worn.
• To help prevent tree fires, remember to put your tree lights on a timer or turn them off before you go to bed every night.
• Avoid placing your Christmas tree in front of an exit, that way if there is any emergency your family can exit the home safely.

Holiday Candle Safety Tips

According to the NFPA, candle fires peak in December and January. Take these holiday fire safety precautions into consideration this winter season:

• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other flammable materials.
• Be sure to never leave an open flame in an unattended room and ensure you completely put out the candle before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Keep children and pets away from candles and educate your kids on the dangers of fire and how to practice fire safety.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

Did you know unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires? The three days with the highest number of home cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve (NFPA).

• Make sure someone is always watching the stove when cooking with an open flame or in the oven, never leave your cooking unattended.
• Be aware of the cords and appliances you are using to help prevent any electrical fires.
• Always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

Replace Your Alarms and Batteries

The holidays should be a relaxing time filled with friends, family, and fun. One of the most important holiday fire safety tips is to ensure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Test your alarms monthly and replace the batteries every six months or as needed. Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years and carbon monoxide alarms every 5-7 years, depending on the model. Have peace of mind during the holidays by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, having fire extinguishers throughout the house and practicing fire safety for your home.