Ensuring a Safe and Happy Holiday
Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one.
According to research by the National Fire Protection Association, between 2015-2019, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of two deaths, 12 injuries and $10 million in direct property damage annually.
Roughly three-quarters of Christmas tree fires occurred in December or January. Almost two of every five home Christmas tree fires started in the living room. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in almost half of home Christmas tree fires. Nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by decorative lights. In nearly one-fifth of the Christmas tree fires, some type of heat source, such as a candle or equipment, was too close to the tree.
As you deck the halls this holiday season, be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow large very quickly.
Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together.Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.
Moss Honest Abe Model Home
Honest Abe Homeowner’s Private Residence
Christmas Tree Safety
Picking the Tree
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
Placing the Tree
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
Lighting the Tree
- Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
After Christmas
- Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
- Check with your local community to find a recycling program.
- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.
Styling for the homes shown here is by Molly Cooper, Cooper & Co. Book Molly to create your holiday decor.
Contact Molly here.
Decorating Safety
Holiday Decorations
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use but not both.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday entertaining
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
Honest Abe Homeowner’s Private Residence
Crossville Honest Abe Model Home
Cookeville Honest Abe Model Home
