Holiday Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family During the Christmas Season

The Holidays Are a Time for Celebration — and Caution

The holiday season is a special time of year. Homes are decorated, families gather, and traditions bring warmth and joy during the colder months. From late November through the end of December, celebrations often center around Christmas — with lights, trees, candles, cooking, and increased travel.

But for volunteer fire departments, the holiday season is also one of the busiest and most dangerous times of the year.

Fires, injuries, and preventable emergencies increase significantly during the holidays, especially around Christmas. Decorations, electrical cords, heating equipment, and busy kitchens all contribute to higher risk.

The good news is that most holiday-related emergencies can be prevented with simple safety steps.

Holiday Decorating Safety (Especially Christmas Decorations)

Holiday decorations help create a festive atmosphere, but they can also introduce fire hazards if not used correctly.

Christmas decorations are one of the leading causes of holiday fires each year.

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

• Use decorations that are labeled flame-resistant

• Keep decorations away from heat sources and open flames

• Avoid placing decorations near heaters, fireplaces, or stoves

• Turn off all decorations before leaving the house or going to bed

• Keep exits and walkways clear at all times

Taking a few minutes to decorate safely can prevent major emergencies later.

Christmas Tree Safety: A Major Holiday Fire Risk

Real Christmas trees are beautiful, but they can become extremely dangerous once they begin to dry out. A dry tree can ignite and spread flames rapidly.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

• Choose a fresh tree with green needles

• Water the tree daily and keep the stand full

• Keep trees away from fireplaces, heaters, and candles

• Never place electrical lights on a dry tree

• Remove trees promptly when needles begin to fall

Artificial trees should also be kept in good condition and labeled as fire-resistant.

Holiday Lighting and Electrical Safety

Holiday lights are another major contributor to seasonal fires, particularly when cords are damaged or outlets are overloaded.

Holiday Lighting Safety Tips

• Inspect lights for frayed cords or broken bulbs

• Use indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors

• Avoid connecting too many strands together

• Do not overload outlets or extension cords

• Turn off lights before going to sleep or leaving home

Outdoor holiday lighting should be secured properly and rated for winter weather.

Candle Safety During the Holidays

Candles are commonly used during the holiday season, especially around Christmas, but unattended candles remain one of the leading causes of residential fires.

Holiday Candle Safety Tips

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from flammable items

• Never leave candles unattended

• Place candles on sturdy, heat-resistant surfaces

• Use flameless candles whenever possible

• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets

A single unattended candle can turn a holiday gathering into an emergency.

Holiday Cooking Safety

Holiday meals, baking, and gatherings keep kitchens busy throughout the season. Cooking fires are especially common during Christmas and other winter holidays.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

• Never leave cooking food unattended

• Keep flammable items away from stovetops

• Turn pot handles inward

• Keep children and pets out of cooking areas

• Stay alert while cooking, especially when tired or distracted

If a kitchen fire occurs, turn off the heat if it is safe to do so and call 911 immediately if the fire spreads.

Heating Safety During the Holiday Season

Cold winter temperatures lead to increased use of space heaters, fireplaces, and heating equipment — all of which can increase fire risk.

Holiday Heating Safety Tips

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from flammable materials

• Never leave heaters unattended

• Turn heaters off before bed or when leaving the house

• Use fireplace screens and have chimneys inspected regularly

• Never use ovens or grills for heating

Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of winter home fires.

Holiday Travel and Home Safety

Many families travel during the holidays, leaving homes unoccupied for extended periods.

Before You Travel

• Turn off and unplug holiday decorations

• Extinguish all candles and fires

• Set light timers instead of leaving lights on continuously

• Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home

Preventing fires while you’re away ensures you return to a safe home.

Why Holiday Safety Matters to Volunteer Firefighters

Volunteer fire departments often experience increased call volume during the holidays, while many volunteers are also balancing family commitments of their own.

When communities practice good holiday safety:

• Fire calls decrease

• Emergency resources stay available

• Firefighters remain safer

• Communities stay protected

Fire prevention is one of the most meaningful ways to support volunteer firefighters during the holiday season.

What to Do if a Holiday Emergency Occurs

If a fire or emergency happens:

• Call 911 immediately

• Get everyone outside and stay outside

• Never re-enter a burning building

• Follow the dispatcher's instructions calmly

• Ensure smoke alarms are working throughout your home

Prepared households respond more effectively in emergencies.

A Season of Celebration and Responsibility

The holidays are about family, generosity, and togetherness. Making safe choices at home protects not only your loved ones but also your neighbors and the volunteer firefighters who respond when emergencies happen.

Support Your Local Volunteer Fire Department This Holiday Season

As you celebrate, consider supporting your local volunteer fire department by:

• Sharing holiday safety messages

• Attending community events

• Thanking first responders

• Exploring volunteer or support opportunities

JoinTheFD helps connect individuals with volunteer fire departments throughout the season and year-round.

Celebrate the Holidays Safely

With a little awareness and preparation, the holiday season — especially Christmas — can be filled with joy, warmth, and peace of mind.

Stay safe, take care of one another, and enjoy a happy, healthy, and fire-safe holiday season. 

Visit JoinTheFD.com to learn how you can get involved and help protect the community you call home.