Holiday Décor - Illuminate the Season Safely

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and festive decorations. As we deck our homes and businesses with lights, Christmas trees, and menorahs, it's essential to keep safety in mind to ensure that our properties remain a haven of warmth and holiday cheer. Brush up on the fire safety tips below to help you celebrate the season responsibly.

Choosing Your Decorations

Choosing safe decorations is the best thing you can do to help prevent fires from happening. When choosing your holiday décor, check to see if items are labeled as flame-resistant, especially if you’d like to place them near any holiday lights.

For decorative lights, know that some are meant for indoor or outside use only, but not both.  A certification mark from a reputable testing laboratory (such as the Underwriters Laboratory or Edison Testing Laboratories) will ensure your lights meet safety standards. Be sure to inspect each strand for any signs of damage such as frayed wires, broken sockets, or exposed wiring. 

Finally, avoid overloading your electrical outlets and use extension cords judiciously. Be mindful of the wattage capacity of both outlets and extension cords to prevent overheating and potential fire risks. Turning off your lights when unattended helps reduce the risk of electrical malfunctions and minimizes the chance of a fire breaking out when no one is present to respond quickly.

Caring for Your Christmas Tree

Whether you opt for a real or artificial tree, freshness is key to safety. If you choose a real tree, look for one with vibrant green needles that are hard to pull from the branches. Water your tree regularly to prevent it from drying out and less likely to catch fire. For artificial trees, ensure they meet safety standards and are flame-resistant. (NFPA requirements for artificial and natural Christmas trees can be found in both NFPA 1, Fire Code, Chapter 12 as well as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Chapter 10.)

After you have securely anchored your Christmas tree in its stand with a water source, make sure it is positioned away from any heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, candles, or heating vents. Heat can accelerate the drying process and increase the risk of fire. 

Finally, be sure to dispose of your natural Christmas tree promptly after the holiday season. Dried-out trees are highly flammable, and their presence in the home can pose a significant fire risk. If you'd like additional resources on Christmas tree safety, the NFPA offers a Christmas Tree Safety Tip Sheet for your reference.

Menorah Safety

When celebrating Hanukkah, it’s important to keep candle safety tips in mind. Always put your menorah on a stable, non-flammable surface. If it’s on a table, check while the menorah is unlit that it won’t tip over, even if the table is bumped. Keep the menorah out of reach of young children and pets, and never leave a lit menorah unattended.

Keep your candle wicks trimmed to approximately 1/4 inch to reduce the risk of large flames and excess dripping wax. If children are lighting candles, adults must supervise and be prepared to step in at any moment. For a safer alternative, using electric menorahs may also be a good option.

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season

By incorporating these fire safety tips into your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy the festive glow of holiday lights, Christmas trees, and menorahs with peace of mind. Let the spirit of the season illuminate your home and places of business safely, making this holiday a time of worry-free festivities.

Happy holidays from your friends at Performance Systems Integration!