The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration. Decorations bring warmth and cheer to homes, offices, and community spaces — turning ordinary areas into festive showcases. But behind the sparkle and glow, there are potential risks if safety is overlooked. Whether you’re decorating at home, at work, or for a public event, keeping safety in mind helps ensure that celebrations stay merry, bright, and incident-free.
For many, the Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday tradition, but it can also be a serious fire risk.
Fire Hazards
Many traditional decorations are made of flammable materials like paper, tinsel, or artificial garlands. These can ignite in seconds if they come into contact with heat sources such as candles, light bulbs, or fireplaces. Always choose flame-resistant or flame-retardant decorations, and keep them at least three feet away from heaters or open flames.
Smoke alarms are especially important during the holiday season. Test them before festivities begin and replace batteries if needed. Decorations should also never block exits or doorways — clear escape routes can make all the difference in an emergency.
Christmas Tree Safety
For many, the Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday tradition, but it can also be a serious fire risk. Although Christmas tree fires are rare, they tend to spread rapidly and cause extensive damage. The two leading causes are electrical issues and proximity to heat sources. Position trees away from fireplaces, space heaters, and candles.
If you prefer a live tree, freshness is key. Select one with vibrant green needles that don’t easily fall off when touched. Before placing it in the stand, cut two inches from the base of the trunk to help it absorb water more effectively, and be sure to water it daily. A dry tree can catch fire within seconds, so once the holidays are over, remove it promptly. Many communities offer tree recycling programs, which provide an environmentally friendly way to dispose of them.
Candle Safety
Candles bring cozy ambiance to the season, but they’re also a leading cause of holiday fires. December consistently sees more candle-related incidents than any other month. If you use candles, keep them at least a foot away from anything flammable and place them in sturdy holders on non-combustible surfaces. Never leave burning candles unattended, and always extinguish them before going to bed or leaving the area.
Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and pets. For those celebrating holidays like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, where candle lighting is part of the tradition, make sure candle holders are stable and placed on heat-resistant materials such as metal, glass, or stone. Consider switching to flameless candles for the same warm glow — without the risk.
Ladder Safety
Hanging lights, garlands, or wreaths often means climbing — and that introduces another common seasonal hazard: falls. Injuries occur frequently when people use chairs, boxes, or unstable surfaces instead of proper ladders. Always use a sturdy ladder rated for the task, and maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while climbing.
Face the ladder while ascending or descending, and never overreach. If you can’t comfortably reach your work area, climb down and reposition the ladder. Never stack ladders or place them on furniture to gain extra height. When using extension ladders, ensure the correct angle and secure the base. If a ladder must be positioned near a door, lock or block the door to prevent accidental contact.
Electrical Safety
Holiday lights bring sparkle to the season but require care and inspection before use. Check all light strings and extension cords for frayed wires, broken sockets, or other signs of damage. Only use lights intended for their environment — indoor lights indoors, outdoor lights outdoors — and follow manufacturer instructions for the number of strands that can be safely connected.
Overloaded outlets can overheat and start fires. Use extension cords rated for the load and plug outdoor lights into ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for extra protection. Avoid attaching cords with nails or staples, which can damage insulation. Finally, turn off all lights before leaving home or going to bed.
Decorations add magic to the holidays, but safety should always be part of the celebration. Choose flame-resistant materials, keep items away from heat, maintain live trees properly, use ladders and lights safely, and consider flameless candles for extra peace of mind.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a bright, beautiful, and most importantly — safe — holiday season.
