Deck the halls: Tips to decorating safely, avoiding home fires over the holidays

Published 1:27 pm Monday, December 16, 2024

Yule logs crackling. Mulling spices simmering. Feasts roasting.

All the warm and cozy things this holiday season are ones to enjoy, and to be aware of the possible risks that come with them.

This holiday season, the American Red Cross Cascades Region is offering a handful of helpful tips to mitigate risk of fire in one’s home.

“December is the peak time for home fires involving candles and holiday decorations,” American Red Cross Cascades Region CEO Priscilla Fuentes said in a statement. “Help protect your family by using battery-operated candles, making sure you have working smoke alarms, and practicing your two-minute escape plan with everyone in your household.”

Here are tips to stay safe: 

• If you use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach of pets and children. Never leave burning candles unattended. 
• Check all holiday cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord. 
• Ensure outdoor decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard. 
• If using an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators or other heat sources. Never use electric lights on metallic trees. 
• If getting a live tree, make sure it is fresh and keep it watered. To test if it is fresh, bend the needs up and down to make sure none fall off. 
• Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.