How to Prevent Fires at Home During the Christmas Season

The Christmas season is for many a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. As part of Christmas traditions, we decorate our homes with a tree, ornaments, and lots of lights to make sure they look dazzling. However, when decorating, we must be careful and use decorations properly to avoid accidents and fires in our homes.

We are sharing the following tips to follow for a safe holiday season:

1. Christmas Tree

If you choose a natural tree, it should be fresh; that is, the needles should not fall off when touched. Make sure to place the trunk in a container with water, since after 15 days natural trees begin to dry out and can catch fire more easily. Keep it at least 3’ away from any heat source such as candles, heaters, or others.
If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it is flame-retardant (made with fire-resistant materials).
Regardless of which tree you choose, you should make sure the lights are of good quality, such as those with recognized certifications like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Consider using LED lights as they are a modern, efficient, and safe option for decorating during Christmas.

2. Safety with Outlets

Before installing lights and decorations, identify the available outlets and plan the layout to avoid overloads. Do not connect more than three sets of lights to the same extension cord.
Use quality extension cords and check that the wires of the lights, extensions, and decorations are not frayed. If they are frayed, damaged, or have broken bulbs, you should discard them. Using them in this condition can increase the risk of a short circuit.
Make sure the outlets are working properly.

3. Outdoor Decorations: Be Mindful of the Environment

Outdoor lights add a special charm, but they also require attention to avoid risks.
Use decorations specifically designed for outdoor use.
Keep lights and cables at least 10’ away from poles and power lines.
Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder to install decorations and make sure it is stable before climbing.
Avoid using nails to hang lights, as they can damage the wires and cause short circuits. Use plastic clips to secure them safely.
Plug outdoor lights into outlets with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
These measures will not only prevent accidents but also protect your home from potential damage caused by moisture and the elements.

4. Turn off the lights before sleeping or leaving

Turning off the lights before sleeping or leaving saves energy and helps reduce the risk of an electrical accident.
Consider using timers to program them to turn them off automatically.
When unplugging, do not pull on the cord; take the time to carefully remove the plug to avoid damage.

5. Candle safety:

Do not use candles to decorate the tree
Do not leave candles unattended
Keep them away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets

6. Fire extinguishers and smoke detectors

Make sure you have an accessible and functioning home fire extinguisher, as well as a smoke detector.
If you don’t have them, consider buying them—they are useful all year round and can make a difference in any unexpected situation.