Merry Holiday Safety Tips for the Happiest Celebrations

The countdown to the holidays is nearing the final days. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are only days away; this year, Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day and ends on January 3. Many of these winter holidays include family dinners and other fun celebrations; Kwanzaa and Hanukkah involve lighting symbolic candles to commemorate the holiday.

Family gatherings lead to bustling kitchens, fires in a fireplace, and symbolic candles. 

 

Unfortunately, all these winter holiday traditions increase fire risk and injury risk. Mehlville Fire Protection District reminds residents to abide by safety best practices and holiday safety tips to mitigate injury and fire risk. 

 

What to Know About Christmas Fire Safety

Christmas trees pose a fire risk to the home and a personal safety risk to residents. While both real and artificial trees are flammable, real Christmas trees pose the greatest threat because their needles can dry out. A dry Christmas tree is highly flammable, and hot lights on the tree can lead to a fast-burning fire.

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical distribution and lighting ignited more than 40 percent of reported Christmas tree fires.  In addition, bulbs and lamps were responsible for 20 percent of these fires, while candles ignited about 11 percent of tree fires. Mitigate fire risk by following these five simple Christmas tree fire safety tips:

 

  • Water real Christmas trees regularly and check the water level at the base of the tree to ensure adequate hydration. 
  • Test all Christmas tree lights before hanging them on a tree to ensure there are no electrical issues.
  • Never use exterior lights (those designed for outdoor use) on a Christmas tree.
  • Never daisy chain power strips (plugging a power strip into a power strip).
  • Keep all Christmas trees at least six feet from all heat sources (portable heaters, candles, fireplaces, etc.).

 

christmas light safety Christmas Light Safety

Christmas lights can pose a fire threat when they are not tested before use. Always use exterior lights outdoors and never string them on indoor Christmas trees. All outdoor lights also should be plugged into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). This ensures any surge in electricity leads to an electrical shutoff (the GFCI is tripped). Cords for outdoor lights must also endure extreme temperatures and moisture (snow and ice).

 

In addition, Christmas lights also pose another hazard–tripping! Be mindful about placing cords and light strands near walkways (indoors or outdoors). 

 

Holiday Home Safety Tips

The holiday season leads to other risks and hazards that can lead to injuries or elevate the likelihood of a house fire. Many families cook a large meal in preparation for a holiday gathering; extra time in the kitchen combined with distractions could be a recipe for a holiday disaster. 

 

Holiday Kitchen Safety

Many family members may gather in the kitchen, chatting, celebrating, and cooking together. Be mindful that someone always watches the oven or stove. Dishes can overcook, spilling contents onto stove burners or the heating element in the oven. 

 

In addition, abide by safety best practices to minimize the risk of burns and injuries. 

Children are naturally curious. Always position the handles of pots and pans inward on the stove to make it more difficult for small hands to grab hot cookware. Hot dishes can lead to scalding injuries and serious burns.  In addition, knives and other sharp tools should always be placed out of reach. 

 

Kitchen Safety Rules

Mindfulness is crucial to staying safe in the kitchen. Keep these top kitchen safety rules while cooking at all times: 

  • Use grease pans or cookie sheets under baking dishes to catch any spills (and mitigate the fire risk).
  • Watch cooking times and temperatures; be prepared to turn down the heat.
  • Don’t drink and cook! Alcohol lowers reaction time and dulls awareness, leading to the possibility of burned dishes and kitchen fires.
  • Keep a Class ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen (always!).
  • Never use water on a grease fire; use baking soda or salt (if a fire extinguisher isn’t nearby).
  • Clean spills ASAP. Wet spots on the floor are a fall hazard.

 

A Festive Fire: Wood Burning Fire Place Safety

Santa Claus does not want to slide down a dirty chimney! Before using a wood-burning fireplace for the holidays, schedule a professional inspection. This ensures that the flue is clear of debris and other fire hazards. When using the fireplace for a festive holiday fire, always ensure the flue (damper) is open. Otherwise, smoke will billow into the room!

 

A fireplace also poses a house fire hazard. Be cautious when using a fireplace during the winter. Follow these common-sense fireplace safety tips:

mehlville fire holiday safety

 

  • Keep all flammable materials, furniture, and other items at least three feet away from a fire
  • Never use gasoline or any other combustible liquid to stoke a fire
  • Only use untreated wood to feed a fire in a wood-burning fireplace
  • Keep children and pets at least six feet from a fire
  • Never leave a fire unattended; fully extinguish flames in the fireplace before going to bed or leaving the home. All embers must be extinguished.

 

Holiday Pet Safety

Celebrating with furry friends this holiday season? Please keep them safe by understanding common hazards lurking around the home during the most festive seasons. 

 

  • Power cords and holiday lights can be a temptation to pets. Kittens and puppies may chew on these electrical strands, leading to electric shock. Always keep cords out of reach.
  • Poinsettias and holly are toxic. Choose faux flowers and plants for a festive appeal without the poisonous concerns. 
  • Be careful about the foods pets receive from holiday feasts. Grapes (and raisins), onions, garlic, and other foods are toxic to pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) offers a comprehensive list of the most toxic foods. 
  • Offer pets a safe place from the excitement of holiday celebrations. Some animals feel stressed or overwhelmed around new people. 
  • Cats may knock over lit candles, leading to a fire. Opt for flameless candles instead.

 

New Year’s Safety Tips

New Year’s Eve is a popular night to celebrate late. Be aware that many police districts may be increasing traffic stops to keep intoxicated drivers off the road. Always drive sober; appoint a designated driver for the evening or call a rideshare service. Driving “buzzed” is still driving under the influence. Remember: “Drive sober or get pulled over!”

 

Happy Holidays and Stay Safe!

Mehlville Fire Protection District wishes all residents a happy holiday and a wonderful New Year. Stay safe this season, and always follow best practices in the kitchen, when using the fireplace, and when decorating. Keep real trees hydrated to minimize the fire risk, and remember to keep a close eye on furry friends this holiday season. Before indulging in libations on New Year’s Eve, choose a designated driver or schedule a pickup from a rideshare service.