3 Holiday Safety Questions, Answered

The holidays light up our homes with twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and festive energy. But between putting up decorations, staying warm, and holiday cooking, your home’s electrical safety may not be top of mind.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 800 home structure fires each year begin with holiday decorations. The good news? Most can be prevented with a few simple habits.

Here are answers to three common holiday electrical safety questions to help keep your season merry and worry-free.

1. Can decorations create electrical hazards?

Holiday lights and inflatable displays bring sparkle, but they can also overload outlets or hide small electrical problems.

Before you deck the halls, take a few simple steps to stay safe:

• Inspect your lights. Check every strand for frayed cords, loose bulbs, or cracked sockets. Replace anything that looks worn.
• Use surge protectors wisely. Choose ones rated for holiday décor and avoid daisy-chaining multiple extension cords.
• Go flameless. Swap open-flame candles for battery-powered alternatives.
• Unplug before bedtime. Turn off or unplug lights and inflatables when you head to sleep or leave home.
• Keep cords organized. Run cords along walls or behind décor to avoid tripping or damaging them. Never cover cords or hide them under rugs or blankets.

A little attention now means more peace of mind later.

2. Why do holiday trees and heat sources make a risky combination?

A beautifully lit tree or wreath can quickly become dangerous if it’s too close to heaters, radiators, or fireplaces. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that one in every five Christmas tree fires start because a heat source was too close.

Here’s what you can do to ensure you’re keeping it safe around the tree:

• Position trees and decorations at least three feet away from any heat source.
• Keep live trees watered to prevent dry branches from igniting.
• Skip the candles near trees or garlands.
• Take the tree down when it dries out, and don’t let it linger past its prime.

Thoughtful choices like these make it easier to keep the season safe.

3. How can you prevent kitchen fires during holiday cooking?

The kitchen is the heart of every celebration. It’s also where most home fires start. Historically, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve rank among the top three days of the year for home cooking fires.

With guests, conversation, and chaos in the mix, it’s easy to lose track of time. Here’s how to help stay safer while keeping the feast on schedule:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking and set a timer as a friendly reminder.
• Turn pot handles inward to prevent spills.
• Keep flammable items like paper towels, oven mitts, and utensils away from burners.
• Know where your fire extinguisher is and make sure everyone knows how to use it.