The holiday season is a time for joy, but it also brings a significant increase in home fire risks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 150 home fires per year that start with Christmas trees. Even more alarming, candle fires peak in December and January.
Don't let a preventable accident ruin your holiday. We've compiled a thorough guide on handling Christmas lights, space heaters, extension cords, and power strips safely.
"One in every 52 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 145 total reported home fires." — NFPA
1. Christmas Tree Safety
A dry Christmas tree is a massive fire hazard. It can be engulfed in flames in seconds.
- Freshness Matters: Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Water Daily: Add water to the tree stand daily. A dry tree is dangerous.
- Placement: Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source (fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents).
- Disposal: 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.
2. Holiday Lights: Inspect & Replace
Whether you use old favorites or new LED strands, electrical safety is paramount.
- Check Your Cords: Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
- Don't Overload: Connect no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord (unless the instructions say otherwise—always check the box!).
- Outdoor vs. Indoor: Make sure you are using lights designed for their intended environment. Outdoor lights need to be weather-resistant.
- Turn Them Off: Always unplug tree lights and outdoor lights before leaving home or going to bed.
For more safe lighting tips, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
3. Extension Cords & Power Strips
Overloading outlets is a leading cause of holiday fires.
- Power Strips are for Electronics, Not Heaters: Never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. They draw too much current and can melt the strip.
- Don't Daisy Chain: Never plug one extension cord into another, or a power strip into another power strip. This is a major fire hazard.
- Keep Them Cool: Do not run extension cords under rugs or furniture. They can overheat and start a fire.
- Wattage Rating: Ensure your extension cord is rated for the products you are plugging into it.
4. Space Heaters: Give Them Space
Space heaters account for a large percentage of winter home heating fires.
- 3-Foot Rule: Keep anything that can burn (gifts, wrapping paper, curtains, bedding) at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
- Plug Directly Into Wall: As mentioned above, ALWAYS plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet.
- Automatic Shut-off: Use heaters with an automatic shut-off feature that turns the unit off if it tips over.
5. Candle Caution
Candle fires spike on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
- Never Leave Unattended: Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Stable Base: Use sturdy candle holders that won't tip over easily.
- Battery-Operated Options: Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles but remove the fire risk entirely.
Conclusion
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your holiday memories are happy ones. Take ten minutes today to check your tree's water level, inspect your cords, and ensure your space heaters have enough room. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also offers great resources for keeping your family safe.
Stay safe and Merry Christmas from the Smart Home Repair team!