It is Time to Decorate!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now that the leftovers are put away and Thanksgiving is over, many of you are pulling out the bins, untangling lights, and getting ready to set up for Christmas. As you decorate, it’s important to remember that Christmas trees, lights, and candles don’t just bring joy—they can also bring serious fire hazards if we’re not careful.
Why Holiday Decorations Are Risky:
As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the warm glow of festive decorations and the delightful aroma of a Christmas tree filling your home. It’s a time of joy, laughter, and cherished memories. But amid all the excitement, it’s essential to be aware of the hidden dangers that can quickly turn that cozy evening into a holiday nightmare—especially when it comes to fire hazards.
Did you know that holiday decorations and Christmas tree fires can be more destructive than many other types of home fires? It’s true! These fires often lead to higher injury and death rates per incident. Picture this: a dry tree, overloaded electrical outlets, or an open flame from a candle can create a perfect storm for disaster in a matter of seconds. Many of these fires start simply because decorations are placed too close to heat sources or unnoticed electrical issues go awry.
Christmas Tree Hazards:
Live trees start to dry out quickly, especially if they aren’t watered regularly or are placed near heaters, fireplaces, or sunny windows. A dry tree can ignite and burn extremely fast, giving families very little time to react. Artificial trees can also be dangerous if they’re not labeled as flame-retardant or are overloaded with faulty lights. To reduce risk, choose a fresh live tree with green, flexible needles, cut the trunk base before placing it in water, and check the water level daily. Keep all trees—live or artificial—at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and heat vents.
Lighting and Electrical Dangers:
Holiday lights can cause fires when cords are frayed, plugs are loose, or too many strands are connected end-to-end. Extension cords and power strips also become hazards when overloaded with multiple high-draw decorations. About a quarter of Christmas tree fires are linked to electrical problems or heat sources placed too close to the tree.
Inspect every light string for cracked sockets, damaged insulation, or exposed wires, and replace any that look worn. Use only lights rated for indoor or outdoor use as intended, plug them into grounded outlets, and avoid daisy-chaining too many strands together. Always turn off all decorative lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Candle and Open Flame Risks:
Candles are a traditional part of Christmas decorating, but they are also a leading cause of home decoration fires during the holiday season. December, along with Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, consistently sees a spike in candle-related fires. Flames placed near curtains, greenery, or decorations can quickly spread. If you use candles, keep them at least one foot away from anything that can burn and place them in sturdy holders on stable surfaces. Never leave a lit candle unattended or within reach of children and pets. Better yet, consider switching to flameless LED candles for the same warm glow without the fire risk.
A Safer Start to the Season:
Amidst the celebration, it’s easy to overlook some essential safety tips. This year, let’s take a few extra moments to ensure our homes are not just festive but also safe. Before you dive into the fun of decorating, consider spending a bit of time inspecting your tree, lights, candles, and extension cords. I know it might seem tedious, but these small precautions can mean the difference between a holiday filled with cheer and one overshadowed by a mishap.