Preventing fires before they start
Holiday decorating often includes Christmas trees and festive decor to celebrate the spirit of the season. While holiday decorations and trees add beauty and warmth, they can also be hazards to your home if not properly cared for.
To help promote fire safety during the holidays, Bill Martin, CEO and President of Plymouth Rock Home Assurance, along with Freddie Viola, Fire Chief of the Braintree Fire Department in Massachusetts, share important tips below to help families celebrate safely.
Did you know
Here are some fire safety facts to keep in mind during the holiday season:
- December is the busiest fire month. According to the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®), December ranks as the leading month for home fires in the United States. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were among the top days in 2022 for fire incidents due to cooking, heating, lights, and decorations.
- Candles can pose a safety risk. Melted wax from holiday decorations, such as lanterns, menorahs or kinaras, can be a holiday hazard. Place a non-flammable tray lined with aluminum foil beneath candle-lit decorations to catch wax drippings. Also, never leave candles unattended.
- It’s not just trees that are hazardous holiday decorations. Electrical cords, outlets, garland, tinsel, string lights, and wreaths can serve as fire risks. As a precaution, inspect electrical equipment for frayed ends or exposed wires. Also, keep at least three feet of space between flammable decorations and curtains.
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As time passes, real trees dry out and become increasingly flammable. Remove your tree as soon as the holidays are over, or sooner if it begins to dry out, or its needles fall off.
A real tree should be watered daily. Fresh trees can absorb a significant amount of water, especially during the first week after they are cut. Always keep the tree stand filled with water to prevent drying out.
Real trees pose a higher fire risk if not properly maintained, particularly when they dry out. Artificial trees are generally safer, but only if they are labeled as fire-resistant (not fireproof). Flocked trees can pose an additional risk if the flocking material is flammable or applied heavily.
