Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other December holidays are fun times to spend with loved ones. Unfortunately, they also come with hazards that increase the risk of a house fire. With a few simple Christmas decoration safety tips, one can ensure a fire-free holiday season.
While Christmas tree fires aren’t very common, they are likely to cause serious damage if they occur. About 200 Christmas tree fires ignite each holiday season, resulting in six deaths, 16 injuries, and $14.8 million in property damage per year.
Christmas tree safety tips
Protect home and family with these Christmas tree safety tips:
- If one picks out a live Christmas tree every year, choose one with fresh, healthy needles. It is a good tree if the needles remain intact when one touches them.
- Cut 2 inches from the base of the live Christmas tree before placing it on the stand. Position the tree at least three feet away from the fireplace, radiator, candles, lamps, and other heat sources. Water the tree every day to keep it moist.
- Use UL-listed Christmas tree lights rated for indoor use. Check strands closely and replace any with frayed cords or loose light bulb connections. Only link together the number of strands recommended by the manufacturer. Remember to turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed.
- Throw away or recycle the Christmas tree when the holiday is over. Don’t store a dried-out tree at the home, garage, or yard, as the drier it becomes, the more flammable it becomes.
Holiday Decoration Safety
US fire departments respond to about 840 home fires each year that begin because of holiday decorations
US fire departments respond to about 840 home fires each year that begin because of holiday decorations, not including Christmas trees. These fires cause two deaths, 36 injuries, and $11.4 million in property damage per year. Don’t let the holiday decorations go up in smoke—implement these safety tips:
- Choose decorations that are flame retardant or resistant. Then, keep these decorations at least 12 inches away from the fireplace, open candle flames, and other heat sources.
- Check light strands for an indoor or outdoor rating, and replace any broken or missing bulbs before hanging up the lights. Use clips for this task, not nails, to prevent damaging the cord.
Holiday decoration fires
About 300-holiday decoration fires, or 36 percent of the total amount reported, are started by candles. The top three days for candle fires include Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Enjoy this traditional holiday décor safely with these tips:
- Store matches and lighters up high, preferably in a locked cupboard.
- Place candles in sturdy holders and set them somewhere that children and pets can’t reach.
- Blow out candles when one leaves the room or goes to bed. If a ceremonial candle must burn continuously, place it in an enclosed glass container and set it in the sink, or a metal tray, or in a deep water-filled basin.
- Keep candles away from other decorations or flammable materials. Never decorate the Christmas tree with lit candles, and don’t set candles on windowsills where curtains or blinds could catch fire.
- Don’t allow small children to hold a lit candle. Consider battery-operated candles for holiday ceremonies.
With these tips for decorating home safely this holiday season, one can keep the Christmas celebrations festive, fun, and fire-free.