The holiday season is supposed to be a time for joy, but it's also when house fires spike. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says fire departments are called to about 150 home fires each year started by Christmas trees. And candle fires? Those are mostly in December and January.
Don't let a fire ruin your holidays. Here's what to know about keeping Christmas lights, space heaters, extension cords, and power strips from burning your house down.
"One in every 52 reported home fires that began with a Christmas tree ended in someone dying, compared to an average of one death per 145 total reported home fires." — NFPA
1. Christmas Tree Safety
🛠️ Handy Amy's Pro Tool Picks
If you're tackling this project yourself, these are the exact tools I recommend for a professional finish:
A dry Christmas tree is basically a pile of kindling. They go up quick.
- Freshness Matters: Get a tree with needles that are green and don't fall off when you brush them.
- Water Daily: Water the tree *every* day. If it's dry, it's a hazard.
- Placement: Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources (fireplaces, radiators, candles, vents).
- Disposal: Toss the tree after Christmas, or when it starts to dry out. Don't leave it in the house or garage – it's just asking for trouble.
2. Holiday Lights: Inspect & Replace
Old lights or new LEDs, electrical safety always matters.
- Check Your Cords: Before you hang them, check your lights *every* year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and any kinking or wear.
- Don't Overload: Plug in no more than three normal sets of lights per extension cord (unless the box says you can do more—check it!).
- Outdoor vs. Indoor: Use lights made for where you're hanging them. Outdoor lights are built to survive the weather.
- Turn Them Off: Unplug tree lights and outdoor lights when you leave the house or go to bed.
For more lighting tips, check out the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) .
3. Extension Cords & Power Strips
Too many plugs in one outlet causes a lot of fires during the holidays.
- Power Strips are for Electronics, Not Heaters: Never plug a space heater into a power strip or extension cord. They draw too much power and melt the strip.
- Don't Daisy Chain: Don't plug an extension cord into another one, or a power strip into another power strip. It's a fire hazard.
- Keep Them Cool: Don't run extension cords under rugs or furniture. They can overheat and cause a fire.
- Wattage Rating: Be sure your extension cord can handle the electrical load.
4. Space Heaters: Give Them Space
Space heaters start a lot of house fires in the winter.
- 3-Foot Rule: Keep anything flammable (gifts, wrapping paper, curtains, bedding) at least 3 feet away from heaters.
- Plug Directly Into Wall: Like we said, ALWAYS plug space heaters right into the wall.
- Automatic Shut-off: Get heaters that turn off if they tip over.
5. Candle Caution
Candle fires are common on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.
- Never Leave Unattended: Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- Stable Base: Set candles in holders that won't tip over easily.
- Battery-Operated Options: Consider using fake candles. They look and smell like real ones, but without the fire risk.
Conclusion
Follow these tips to keep your holiday season happy and safe. Take ten minutes today to check your tree's water, inspect your cords, and make sure your space heaters have enough space. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also has some good advice on keeping your family safe.
Stay safe and Merry Christmas from the Smart Home Repair team!