Holiday Fire Hazards: Simple Steps to Keep Your Family Safe at Christmas

For many people, Christmas is one of the most enjoyable times of the year, but it can also be one of the most dangerous. The risk of fires caused by overly dry trees and improper use of lights and other Christmas decorations is a threat during the holiday season, but it is one that can easily be avoided if certain precautions are taken.

Christmas Trees:

Christmas trees are probably the most important and beautiful Christmas decoration in most homes, but they are the leading cause of holiday house fires. Do not ever purchase a tree that is dried out or dropping needles. Fresh trees are less flammable, and will last longer too. Check over your tree before bringing it home to make certain the needles are fresh and green, and always place your Christmas tree in a sturdy tree stand that is designed not to tip over.

Remember to keep your tree thoroughly hydrated by making certain the water level never falls below the base of the tree. Placing your tree near sources of heat or open flame increases the likelihood it will catch fire by drying it out more quickly. Christmas trees should be placed a minimum of three feet from any source of heat.

If you are using an artificial tree, choose only those that are fire retardant and avoid using a metal tree if you desire to decorate it with lights. Live trees should be removed from the home and recycled no more than four weeks after purchase, or at the first sign that the tree is dying or becoming too dry.

Candles:

Candles make lovely decorations, and are often used on fireplace mantles or as table centerpieces during the holidays. If you intend to use candles to decorate this year, use shorter, broader candles as they are less likely to tip over. Do not ever place lit candles on your Christmas tree, or on mantles heavily decorated by greenery or other flammable objects.

Candles should only be placed on even, fire resistant surfaces, and never within the reach of children. Also check that nothing is above the candle flame, such as upper kitchen cabinets or other holiday decorations. Always remember to extinguish all candles before going to bed at night or leaving the house.

Decorative Lights:

According to the National Fire Protection Association, it is important when decorating your tree to use lights listed by a testing laboratory. Some holiday lights are only designed for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Always check wires for damage before placing lights on your tree, and again before packing them up after the holiday is over. Any string of lights with broken cords or loose bulb connections should be discarded and replaced.

Do not use lights on a metallic tree, as a short in one of the wires can create a significant fire threat. Always unplug all lights before leaving the house or going to bed at night, and make certain to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions on each strand of lights before use. Do not connect more than three strands of lights together, and never connect one extension cord to another.

Fireplaces:

Fireplaces are used both for warmth during the holiday season, as well as to set a special mood during Christmas. Take care when using your fireplace this Christmas, as there are some additional risks associated with the holidays that increase the chance of a fire occurring in your home.

Be very careful when deciding on locations to place your Christmas decorations, including stockings, as many of these are flammable and should not be placed near the open flame of a fireplace. Do not ever burn your Christmas tree, dropped needles, or wrapping paper in your fireplace. All can ignite quickly and have a tendency to spread out, putting your home at risk. Supervise children very carefully when a fire is burning, and make certain the fire has been completely put out before leaving the house or going to sleep.

With a little extra preparation and thought, the holiday season can be as safe for your home and family as any other time of the year. Christmas is also the perfect time to make certain your fire extinguishers are in working order, and that your smoke detectors have fresh batteries. Use the time spent with your family while hanging ornaments to also discuss the important of fire safety, and to remind everyone in the home about evacuation routes and other emergency information.