Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays

by

Jan Dils

Last Updated January 21, 2026 In Personal Injury, General information

The holidays bring lots of new activity into most homes. There are extra lights plugged in, meals cooking for longer stretches, and decorations that are not part of the everyday routine. All of that adds risk, even in households that are usually very safe. We have some fire safety tips for the holidays which can help prevent small issues from turning into serious emergencies and personal injuries.

Holiday Lights and Electrical Safety

Decorative lighting is one of the most common sources of holiday fire problems. Light strands are often reused year after year, even when cords are worn or bulbs are loose.

Before hanging lights, it helps to check for frayed wiring, cracked sockets, or cords that feel warm when plugged in. Indoor lights should stay inside, and outdoor-rated lights should only be used outside. Turning lights off before leaving the house or going to sleep is one of the simplest holiday fire safety tips, but it is easy to forget during busy weeks.

Decorating Without Creating Hazards

Holiday decorations can become dangerous when they are placed too close to heat sources. Live trees dry out faster than many people expect, especially in warm homes. Keeping trees watered and positioned away from fireplaces, space heaters, and vents can lower the risk of a fast-moving fire.

Decorations should also be arranged with exits in mind. Blocking doorways or hallways may not seem like a big issue until something goes wrong. These holiday fire safety reminders are about thinking ahead, not changing traditions.

Candles and Open Flames

Candles add warmth and atmosphere, but open flames always increase risk. Candles should never be left unattended and should be kept away from curtains, wrapping paper, and decorations. Many households choose battery-powered candles instead, especially in homes with children or pets. This is one of the most practical fire safety tips because it removes risk without sacrificing ambiance.

Kitchen Safety During Holiday Gatherings

With more cooking, comes more opportunity for distraction. Unattended stoves and ovens remain a leading cause of home fires during the holidays. Helpful kitchen safety reminders include:

• Staying in the kitchen while food is cooking
• Keeping towels, packaging, and paper products away from heat
• Turning pot handles inward to prevent spills
• Keeping a fire extinguisher within reach

These holiday fire safety tips are especially important during large family gatherings, when there are more people walking around who could accidently knock something over or bring a gift that uses heat or electricity.

We Hope Your Safe Holiday Starts With Simple Steps

Working smoke alarms are important year-round, but they are especially important during the holidays. Testing alarms and replacing batteries takes only a few minutes. Knowing exit routes and making sure everyone in the home understands them can make a real difference if an emergency occurs.

At Jan Dils Attorneys at Law, we want all our clients to have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year’s. If you experience burn injuries because of someone’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers can represent you in your pursuit of compensation.

Taking a few moments to follow basic fire safety tips for the holidays can help protect your home, your family, and the time you spend together this season.