Select Page

Keep Your Home and Loved Ones Safe This Holiday Season

Dec 11, 2024 | Article

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. More than two of every five home decoration fires occur due to decorations being placed too close to a heat source. The NFPA also reports U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 853 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

Between 2018-2022, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 155 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in more than two in five homes. As Christmas trees dry out, they become more and more flammable. Thirty-six percent of Christmas tree fires were in January. Although Christmas tree fires are not common, they can grow very fast.

Last year nine lives were lost in fire-related incidents during the holiday season in Illinois.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to stay firesafe when decking the halls this holiday season.

  • Be careful with holiday decorations. Make sure decorations are either flame retardant or flame resistant.
  • Keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or anything that can catch fire.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Extinguish all lit candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
  • Check to make sure your lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use or both.
  • Replace any light strands that have worn or broken cords. Make sure to read the recommendation for the number of light strings you can string together.
  • Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
  • If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure to check water levels daily! It is not unusual for a tree to drink two gallons of water the first day it is in the stand.
  • Keep real Christmas trees away from a heat source. It can dry out the tree quickly.

Source: Illinois.gov

Archives