7 Fire Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating & Entertaining

As you play holiday music to decorate for the season, remember to follow safety measures to ensure homes and loved ones are safe from the threat of fire.

Fire Safety Tip #1: Keep children, pets and decorations away from lit candles

Fire Safety Tip #2: Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

Fire Safety Tip #3: Choose decorations and artificial trees that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Place the tree away from heat sources and exits. Water real trees daily.

Fire Safety Tip #4: Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms.

Fire Safety Tip #5: If hanging stockings on the fireplace, do not use the fireplace for fires.

Fire Safety Tip #6: Keep items that can catch on fire at least three feet away from anything that gets hot, such as sources of heat or stoves.

Fire Safety Tip #7: Replace any strings of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and the total number of bulbs to 50.

During the holiday season, an average of 40 home fires per day are caused by children playing. And candle fires are four times as likely to occur. That’s why these seven fire safety tips are so important to remember as you string up lights and gather with family and friends.

This past October, the American Red Cross and its partners launched an initiative that aims to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent in five years with the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. Learn more about the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign.