Holiday lights, trees and candles bring warmth to the season, but they also introduce hidden dangers. Each year, thousands of households’ experience fires caused by decorations. By learning about the most common hazards and taking simple precautions, families can reduce risks and focus on joyful celebrations.

Christmas tree safety

While Christmas trees bring warmth and joy during the holidays, they can also pose a serious fire risk if not properly taken care of.

• Water living trees daily to prevent drying and ignition.
  A dry tree can become a fire hazard in less than 30 seconds once ignited. Daily watering keeps the tree fresh and reduces the risk of a spark turning into a house fire.
• Keep trees away from fireplaces, heaters and candles.
  Placing a tree near a heat source will speed up drying and increase fire danger. Position your tree at least three feet away from open flames or heating units.
• Don’t let your tree light up the wrong way.
  When using an artificial tree, choose one labeled as “fire-resistant” and inspect lights for frayed wires or broken bulbs. Turn off all decorations before leaving home or going to bed to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

Simple habits like watering daily, choosing the right placement and disposing of trees early turn holiday decor into safe, lasting cheer.

Electrical safety

Holiday lights make the season sparkle but using them safely is essential to preventing electrical fires and accidents.

• Use UL-listed (safety tested) lights rated for indoor/outdoor use.
  Lights rated for safety are designed to handle the environment they are used in. Outdoor lights are weather-resistant, while indoor lights are safer for dry indoor settings.
• Inspect cords for cracks or frays before plugging in.
  Damaged cords are one of the most common sources of holiday electrical fires. Replacing worn sets prevents sparks that can ignite trees or fabrics.
• Avoid overloading outlets or connecting multiple extension cords.
  Plugging too many lights into a single outlet overheats wiring and raises fire risk. Use power strips with surge protectors when needed.
• Unplug lights overnight or when leaving home.
  Leaving lights on when unattended increases the chance of unnoticed malfunctions. Turning them off saves energy and reduces fire hazards.

Electrical safety may not feel festive, but it protects your home while keeping decorations bright.

Candle and open flame safety

Before lighting candles this season, take time to practice safe habits that prevent accidental fires and keep your celebrations bright.

• Keep candles at least three feet from flammable objects.
  Decorations like garland and curtains ignite quickly if they touch a flame. A few feet of space is the safest guideline.
• Never leave candles unattended or burning overnight.
  Many candle-related fires start when people leave the room or fall asleep. Blowing out candles before leaving ensures peace of mind.
• Place candles in sturdy holders on flat surfaces.
  Wobbly or uneven placement increases the risk of a candle tipping over. Using stable holders keeps flames under control.
• Consider flameless LED candles for a safer environment.
  Flameless candles create the same cozy glow without the risk of fire. They are especially safe for homes with pets or children.

A single candle can brighten a room, but caution ensures it doesn’t endanger it.

Kitchen safety

Holiday cooking brings people together, but a few extra precautions in the kitchen can prevent accidents and keep celebrations safe.

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
  Unattended food is the leading cause of cooking fires. Remaining nearby helps you react quickly if something overheats.
• Keep flammable items (towels, paper, decorations) away from stoves.
  Holiday kitchens are often cluttered with decor. Keeping flammables clear of burners prevents accidental flare-ups.
• Set timers to avoid forgetting food in the oven.
  With the bustle of hosting, it’s easy to lose track of time. Timers keep you alert to check food regularly.
• Limit distractions while preparing meals.
  Stepping away for guests or phone calls creates unnecessary risks. Focusing fully while cooking is the safest practice.

Kitchen fires are among the most common holiday emergencies, but simple awareness keeps meals safe and stress-free.

The holidays should be about joy, not emergencies. By caring for trees, using lights responsibly, practicing candle caution and staying alert in the kitchen, families can celebrate the season safely and make safety a lasting tradition. If an emergency does occur, call 911 immediately.