Holiday Fire Safety Tips

The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, but it also brings unique fire risks. Cooking, decorative lights, candles, and fireworks are common during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, and each presents specific hazards. Follow these comprehensive fire safety tips to ensure that your holidays are safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Thanksgiving Fire Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for home cooking, with multiple dishes on the stove or in the oven. Unfortunately, it's also a peak day for home fires. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare your holiday feast:

• Stay in the Kitchen: If you're frying, grilling, or broiling, always stay in the kitchen. For longer cooking processes, like roasting or baking, remain at home and check food regularly. Leaving cooking food unattended is the leading cause of kitchen fires.
• Keep Kids and Pets Away: Set up a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove and other cooking appliances. Not only does this protect children from burns and other injuries, but it also minimizes distractions for the cook, reducing the risk of an accident.
• Be Careful with Turkey Fryers: If using a turkey fryer, do it outside on a flat, non-flammable surface—never in a garage, on a deck, or near structures. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying to avoid dangerous oil splatters and potential flare-ups.
• Avoid Wearing Loose Clothing: Loose sleeves can catch fire easily when leaning over a hot stove or open flame. If you’re cooking, wear fitted, short sleeves or roll up long sleeves.
• Keep Flammable Items Away from Heat: Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, towels, and food packaging away from the stovetop. A small spark or heat from a burner can ignite these items quickly.
• Know How to Extinguish a Grease Fire: Never use water on a grease fire. Instead, cover the pan with a lid, turn off the heat, and use a Class K (kitchen) fire extinguisher if available.

Christmas Fire Safety Tips

During the Christmas season, homes are decorated with lights, trees, and other festive items. While these bring holiday cheer, they also increase fire risks.

Follow these tips to keep your holiday decor safe:

• Choose a Fresh Tree: If using a live tree, choose one that is fresh—needles should be green and hard to pull off. A dry tree can ignite easily, so water it daily to keep it hydrated throughout the season.
• Place Your Tree Safely: Position your tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and heating vents. These can dry out the tree quickly and increase the risk of it catching fire.
• Use Flame-Resistant Decorations: Choose flame-retardant or non-combustible decorations for your tree and other decor. Avoid decorations that can easily catch fire, such as paper or cardboard ornaments, especially near lights or candles.
• Inspect Holiday Lights: Check all lights for frayed wires, cracked bulbs, or loose connections. Only use lights that have been tested for safety and carry the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) label. Avoid using outdoor lights indoors, as they may overheat in enclosed spaces.
• Turn Off Lights When Not in Use: Always turn off holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house. To reduce risks, use a timer to ensure lights are off during the night.
• Be Cautious with Candles: If using candles, place them on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces and never leave them unattended. Keep candles away from trees, curtains, and any other flammable items, and extinguish them before leaving the room.
• Consider Battery-Operated Candles: These are a safer alternative to traditional candles and provide the same festive ambiance without the risk of fire.

New Year's Eve Fire Safety Tips

Celebrating the New Year often includes fireworks, candles, and other forms of celebration that can be hazardous. Take these precautions to enjoy a safe start to the new year:

• Use Fireworks Responsibly: If fireworks are legal in your area, only use them outdoors and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, and never attempt to relight a “dud” firework.
• Supervise Sparkler Use: Sparklers can reach temperatures of over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, making them extremely dangerous. Supervise children closely if they are using sparklers, and dispose of used sparklers by placing them in water to cool.
• Be Mindful of Alcohol Near Flames: New Year’s celebrations often include alcohol, which can impair judgment. If using candles or a fireplace, stay alert and avoid excessive drinking to prevent accidents around open flames.
• Plan for Bonfire Safety: If your celebration includes a bonfire, ensure it’s set up at a safe distance from structures, trees, and other flammable materials. Monitor the fire at all times, have a water source nearby, and make sure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
• Consider Noise and Local Regulations: Be mindful of your neighbors and local fire codes when using fireworks, as noise and debris can be both disruptive and dangerous.

General Holiday Fire Safety Tips

To further ensure your safety throughout the holiday season, keep these general fire safety tips in mind:

• Test Smoke Alarms: Working smoke alarms are crucial in detecting fires early. Test them monthly, and replace batteries if needed. For best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom.
• Have a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in accessible areas, especially in the kitchen and near heating sources. Familiarize yourself with its operation and ensure that family members know how to use it.
• Create and Practice an Escape Plan: In case of a fire, every second counts. Make sure all family members know at least two ways out of each room and establish a meeting spot outside. Practice your escape plan regularly, including with children and pets.
• Use Space Heaters Carefully: If you use space heaters to keep warm during the holiday season, place them on flat, stable surfaces away from flammable items. Never leave them unattended, and unplug them when not in use.
• Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Post important numbers, including your local fire department’s, in a visible spot and make sure everyone in the household knows how to dial 911 in an emergency.

By following these fire safety tips, you can help ensure that your holiday celebrations are safe, joyous, and free from preventable incidents. From all of us at the SMVFA, we wish you a safe and festive holiday season!