It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be sure to be fire smart.
Did you know?
- The top 3 days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- More than 1/3 of home decoration fires are started by candles.
- More than half of home decoration fires in December are started by candles.
- A heat source too close to a Christmas tree causes 1 in every 4 winter fires.
Put a Freeze on Winter Holiday Fires.
- Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
- Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.
- If you use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
- Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
- Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.
- Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
- Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up. Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
- Water your Christmas tree every day.
- Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
Source: U.S. Fire Administration
