Holiday Safety Tips: Protecting Your Home From Fires During the Celebrations

8 min read

With the holiday season quickly approaching, keeping safety in mind while preparing for and enjoying celebrations with family and friends is essential. Amidst the festive cheer, delightful decorations, and delicious feasts, it’s easy to forget about potential hazards that can lead to unwanted damage to your property.

Prevention is always better than cure, and the same can be said for fire hazards that can cause devastation, especially during the festive season. We understand the importance of a safe and welcoming environment, especially during the holidays when our homes become the center of warm gatherings and joyful experiences. That’s why we’ve curated a list of essential holiday fire safety tips for the holiday season, from Christmas tree safety to fire prevention to proper lighting practices, to ensure you and your loved ones can make the most of this festive season.

Why You Should Stay Vigilant During the Holidays

According to past data, the holiday season brings joy and warmth to our homes and an increased risk of fire hazards. This is why homeowners should be vigilant against fire hazards during this time, as proper preparations can ensure the safety of their loved ones and maintain their property.

The additional features and decor in most homes during the holiday season can pose various fire hazards. For example, the National Fire Protection Association found several statistics that showed an increase in fire-related incidents during the winter holiday:

• Throughout the year, an average of 33% of house fires caused by decorations were started by candles. However, this jumped to nearly 50% in December. Incidents of house fires caused by candles peak in December and January.
• From 2017 to 2021, U.S. Fire Departments handled an average of 150 fires caused by Christmas trees annually. In comparison, there are an average of 793 home fires annually due to other decorations.
• 30% of Christmas tree fires were recorded in January.
• In 2021, the days with the most incidents of house fires caused by cooking were Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.
• On average, every two in five house fires caused by Christmas trees were due to issues with electrical distribution or faulty lights. Meanwhile, one in five cases were started by bulbs, while 8% were due to candles on the tree.

While candles and Christmas lights are hallmarks of the festive winter season, careless handling of lights, electrical fixtures, and fire can have devastating effects on your property.

Most Common Fire Safety Hazards During the Holidays

Fire hazards are possible year-round. However, the holiday festivities have increased risks, which can include the following:

• Decorations: Flammable holiday decorations like Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands can quickly catch fire when placed near a heat source. Ensure that decorations are fire-resistant and placed at a safe distance from fire sources.
• Candles: Candles are a popular winter holiday decor for ambiance or religious purposes. However, some homeowners may leave candles unattended, exposing flames to flammable materials, as well as children and pets.

• Overloaded Outlets: Adding too many holiday lights around your home or using multiple extension cords to power your holiday lights can become a fire hazard. Plugging too many electrical appliances into a single outlet can cause overloading, leading to short circuits or electrical fires.

• Space Heaters: People often use space heaters to stay warm as the weather gets colder. If not used correctly, space heaters can pose a significant fire risk.

• Travel: Many people travel during the holidays, leaving their homes unattended. Unfortunately, some plugged appliances may be left on, creating heat sources that can eventually cause fires.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Follow these holiday safety tips to minimize the risks of issues arising during the festive season.

Check Christmas Lights Before Use

Inspect your holiday lights for frayed wires or damage, and replace any broken bulbs. Invest in quality lights rather than opting for cheaper products with uncertain quality. Only use lights that have been tested and certified for quality control.

Don’t Overload Your Electrical Outlets

Plugging too many lights and decorations into a single electrical outlet can cause it to overheat and potentially start a fire. Spread out your decorations and use multiple outlets to light up your home. Choose units with built-in circuit breakers if you must use extension cords or power strips.

Never Leave Candles Unattended

Candles can be festive but are also a leading cause of home fires during the holidays. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and ensure they are kept away from flammable materials, such as your curtains, Christmas decorations, and other items in your spaces. Alternatively, you can use battery-operated flameless candles for the aesthetic and opt for scent diffusers instead of scented candles.

Use Your Space Heater Properly

Space heaters are commonly used during winter but can pose a fire hazard if not correctly placed. Keep your unit at least three feet away from curtains and other flammable materials. Ensure your space heater is plugged directly into an outlet and never on an extension cord.

Opt for an Artificial Tree

Live trees dry easily and can burn very quickly when exposed to heat or fire. You could opt to maintain its water level constantly, but opting for an artificial tree designed for fire resistance is a more low-maintenance alternative and much safer. Also, it can be easily stored and reused for next year.

Choose Safer Christmas Decor

Investing in durable, fire-resistant decor can reduce the risk of fire hazards. This makes it less likely to spread fire if your lights malfunction or your decor is exposed to heat sources. Otherwise, keep your flammable decor away from heat sources, such as vents and heaters.

Don’t Leave the Kitchen Unattended

Many people love cooking for family, friends, and other holiday guests but the celebrations can be distracting. As much as possible, stay in the kitchen or ensure someone capable is present while cooking or where there’s an open flame. If you use an oven or appliance that doesn’t automatically switch off after some time, set a timer so you don’t forget.

Clean Your Cooking Vents

If you have yet to deep clean your kitchen before the holiday season, at least ensure your cooking vent or range hood is clean. Over time, grease and oil build up in the ducts. These are highly flammable and can make cooking fires worse. If your vent needs replacement filters, change them before the busy holiday season.

Practice Kitchen Safety Habits

While this is one of the holiday fire safety tips that should be practiced year-round, it’s crucial you practice this when your kitchen is particularly busy during the holidays. Some safety practices you can implement include:

• • Avoid Overcrowding: If you have family and other visitors in your home, bring the party to your living room or ask those who aren’t cooking to leave the room. Ensure that your stove, oven, and appliances are secure from falling or tipping accidents. If your kitchen is particularly busy, avoid letting pets and young children into the kitchen.
  • Keep Floors Dry: Wipe away any spills and ensure the floor is dry. This can prevent injuries and other accidents that could become a fire hazard.
  • Prevent Accidental Tipping: After using the stove, ensure that it is completely turned off. Place the hot cookware on a trivet or, if you want to leave a hot pot or pan on the stove after cooking, ensure the handles are turned inward to prevent anyone from accidentally tipping off the pot and its contents.

Install and Check Smoke Alarms

Before your home gets busy with the holiday festivities, ensure that your safety features are up-to-date and prepared. Check the smoke alarms in every room and see if you need to replace the battery – most units need new batteries at least once a year. Have a fire extinguisher ready in the kitchen or anywhere that anyone can reach at a moment’s notice.

Prepare a Fire Escape Plan

If the worst happens and a fire occurs, your household should know how to minimize risks to their health and safety. Ideally, your home should have more than one exit, especially if the path to one exit is compromised. Adults in your home should know how to handle a fire extinguisher for minor fires. If you’re unsure, it’s better to evacuate the home and contact your local fire department.

Trust Restoration 1 for Fire Damage Restoration in Tucson

Safeguarding your home during the holiday season is crucial for a stress-free and memorable celebration with your loved ones. By implementing these holiday safety tips, you can create a secure and comfortable environment for your family and guests. Embrace precautionary measures, remain vigilant, and enjoy our cherished holiday traditions with a full heart, knowing your home is well-protected.

Don’t let fire hazards ruin your home’s festivities this holiday season. However, even the most prepared homes may still be vulnerable to uncontrollable hazards. After a devastating fire, Restoration 1 of Tucson can help you restore your property as soon as possible. Trust us to help you through this difficult time and speed up the recovery process to your household’s benefit. Contact our emergency line to send an experienced technician to your home as soon as possible.