The twinkling lights, the cozy ambiance, the smell of pine and baking—the holidays are truly the most wonderful time of the year. But here’s the reality check we need to have: this beautiful season also brings a significant increase in home fires. We’re adding extra hazards to our homes—string lights, candles, dry trees, and often, we’re juggling more distractions than usual. Confidence comes from preparation, and by following a few simple guidelines for holiday fire safety, you’ll create memories for all the right reasons.
The Truth About Your Tree: Freshness is Key
Let’s start with the centerpiece of most holiday decorating: the Christmas tree. If you choose a real tree, its freshness is your number one defense against fire. A dry tree is a highly combustible fuel source that can ignite completely in seconds.
When you buy a tree, gently pull on the needles. If many fall off, the tree is already too dry—pass on it. Once you get it home, immediately cut two inches off the base and place it in a sturdy stand that holds plenty of water. You must check the water level daily; a 6-foot tree can drink up to a gallon of water in the first few days! And here’s a critical point: never place your tree near a heat source like a fireplace, radiator, or heat vent. Keep it at least three feet away. When those needles start to drop profusely, it’s time to retire the tree, preferably curbside. Don’t leave it in your garage or leaning against your house.
Holiday Fire Safety: Inspect, Connect, and Unplug
Holiday lights are gorgeous, but faulty lights are responsible for many fires. Before you string a single strand, take the time to inspect them. Look for frayed wires, broken sockets, or damaged insulation. Discard damaged strands immediately.
Only use lights certified by a recognized testing laboratory, and make sure to use outdoor lights for outdoor decorating and indoor lights for inside the home. A common mistake is overloading electrical outlets. Never connect more than three standard-size strings of lights to one extension cord, and be wary of “daisy-chaining” multiple heavy-duty cords. Use surge protectors for sensitive electronics, but remember, an extension cord is a temporary solution—never a permanent one. Our final, non-negotiable rule for lighting is simple: turn them off! Before you go to sleep or leave your home, unplug all decorative lights.
The Candle Conundrum: Ambiance vs. Risk
Scented candles bring a lovely, warm feeling to the season, but they are an open flame and demand respect. Did you know that December is the peak month for home candle fires?
If you choose to use traditional candles, always keep them within sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended, not even for a minute. Place them on a stable, non-flammable surface, and ensure they are well away from anything that can burn, like curtains, holiday decorations, or wrapping paper. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Honestly, the safest alternative is battery-operated, flameless candles. They offer the same cozy glow without fire risk. It’s a simple switch that offers enormous peace of mind.
FAQs About Holiday Fire Safety
How do I know if my smoke alarm battery is still good?
You should test your smoke alarms once a month by pressing the test button. If you hear a loud, clear sound, the battery is generally good. Replace all smoke alarm batteries twice a year, such as when you change your clocks for daylight saving time. If the alarm starts chirping, it means the battery is low and needs immediate replacement.
Is it safe to use a fireplace if I have a real tree?
Yes, but with extreme caution. As noted above, the tree must be at least three feet away from the fireplace opening. You must use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from flying out. Before lighting a fire, make sure your chimney has been inspected and cleaned within the last year, especially if you use it frequently.
What is the most dangerous kind of holiday fire decoration?
The most dangerous decorations are generally real candles left unattended and dried-out natural Christmas trees. Anything that uses an open flame or is highly combustible and placed near a heat source presents the greatest risk.
AWP Home Inspections provides buyer’s home inspections in West Central and Central Indiana. Contact us to request our services.