10 Holiday Safety Tips: Keep Your Home Safe, Decorate with Electrical Safety

The winter holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and creating memories with friends and family. But winter holidays are also a period when residential fires and electrical hazards increase significantly. With decorative lights, holiday lighting, candles, fireplaces, and holiday cooking, there are many potential hazards that can put your home at risk. That’s why knowing the most essential holiday safety tips and fire safety tips is critical to keeping your home safe during this festive season.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 holiday safety tips focused on electrical safety, decoration hazards, risk reduction, and how to keep your home safe through the season. These guidelines are grounded in trusted safety standards from organizations like the American Red Cross and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to ensure accuracy and reliability. NIST+1

Why Holiday Safety Tips Matter

Holiday safety tips are more than reminders — they significantly reduce the chance of fires, injuries, or costly damage. In fact, according to the American Red Cross, during the winter holidays, thousands of home fires occur every year, and candle fires are four times more likely during this period than at other times of the year. American Red Cross

Statistically:

• Christmas tree-related fires cause deaths and injuries each season.
• Electrical problems account for a large proportion of Christmas tree fires.
• Holiday cooking is the leading cause of residential fire injuries. www.nist.gov

Taking precautions means you can enjoy your celebrations without worry. Below, we break down 10 holiday safety tips you can implement today.

Tip #1: Safely Decorate With Tested and Certified Items

When you decorate your home for the season, every string of lights, ornament, and decoration should be tested for safety.

Choosing and Using Safe Decorations

Most fire hazards from holiday decorations stem from faulty products or improper use. To reduce these risks:

• Use lights and decorations that are certified by recognized testing laboratories such as ETL, UL, or CSA.
• Inspect all cords and plugs before use — damaged sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections can cause shocks and fires.
• Avoid using antique or homemade electrical items that may not meet modern safety standards.
• Don’t attach electrical decorations to metal surfaces unless they are specifically labeled safe for that use. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Decorating your home is festive and fun, but it should never create hazards.

Tip #2: Understand and Prevent Christmas Tree Fire Risks

Your christmas tree sits at the center of your holiday setup, but if neglected, a Christmas tree can become a significant fire risk.

Real vs. Artificial Trees

Both options are popular, but each comes with its safety considerations:

• Live trees must be well-watered every day to prevent drying. A dry tree becomes extremely flammable and can catch fire quickly.
• Artificial trees should be labeled as flame retardant and tested for safety.
• Place the tree at least three feet away from any heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents, or even holiday lighting. NIST

Christmas Tree Fire Statistics

Almost one-third of Christmas tree fires result from electrical issues and decorative lighting problems. U.S. Fire Administration

Common mistakes that increase tree fire risk:

• Leaving lights on unattended
• Using damaged or outdated cords
• Placing trees too close to heat sources

By maintaining watering and spacing, you can dramatically reduce your risk.

Tip #3: Practice Holiday Lighting and Electrical Safety

Electrical safety is essential no matter how simple or elaborate your decorations are. Incorrectly installed lighting can cause short circuits and fires.

Inspect Before Use

Before you hang lights:

• Carefully inspect every strand for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or cracked sockets.
• Replace any strands with signs of wear or damage.
• Ensure outdoor lights are rated for exterior use.

Avoid Overloading and Loose Wiring

Avoid overloading electrical outlets and circuits. Too many lights and decorations plugged into one outlet can overheat and cause a fire. Likewise, loose or bare wires increase the risk of electrical shock or fire starts. Brown Health

Common safe practices:

• Never plug more than three strings of traditional incandescent lights together.
• Use power strips with built-in protection rather than relying on a single outlet.
• Keep cords away from heat sources and avoid running them under rugs.

If you're unsure about your home’s capacity, consulting a licensed electrician for electrical safety advice is a wise investment.

Tip #4: Candle Safety in Holiday Decorating

Candles add warmth and ambiance, but they also lead to a disproportionate number of fires.

Candle Fires: The Hidden Risk

During winter holidays, home candle fires increase significantly, particularly when candles are placed too close to flammable decoration or left unattended. U.S. Fire Administration

Safe Candle Practices

Follow these fire safety tips when using candles:

• Never use real candles to decorate a tree or place them near tinsel and fabric.
• Keep lit candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn.
• Use sturdy holders that won’t tip over easily.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.

For a safer alternative that reduces the risk of fire entirely, consider battery-operated flameless candles, which mimic the look of real flames without open fire. U.S. Fire Administration

Tip #5: Fireplace Safety and Placement of Decorations

Nothing warms the spirit like a crackling fire, but a fireplace can also be a hazard if not managed correctly.

Safe Fireplace Practices

• Keep all holiday decorations — including your Christmas tree, ornaments, and wrapping paper — at least three feet from the fireplace.
• Never burn treated wood, Christmas tree branches, or wrapping paper in your fire.
• Use a fire screen to prevent embers and sparks from escaping.
• Make sure embers are fully extinguished before going to sleep. American Red Cross

Your fireplace should be a source of comfort, not danger, so prioritize safe practices at every turn.

Tip #6: Holiday Cooking — The Leading Fire Risk

Holiday cooking is a cherished tradition, but it also represents one of the most common causes of kitchen fires. According to the NFPA, unattended cooking equipment is the leading cause of cooking fires each year. firehouse.com

Best Practices for Holiday Cooking Safety

To reduce risks:

• Stay in the kitchen when something is on the stove.
• Keep flammable items such as towels and paper products away from cooking surfaces.
• Use a timer to remind you when something is nearing completion.
• Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible and ensure you know how to use it.

Proper kitchen vigilance is crucial — most cooking fires happen because people walk away or are distracted.

Fire Safety Tips for the Winter Holidays

Fire safety tips become especially important during the holiday season, when decorations, cooking, and gatherings increase the likelihood of accidents. Many seasonal hazards are preventable with awareness and simple precautions that help keep your home protected.

According to the NFPA, home fires during winter months often stem from heating equipment, cooking, and electrical failures — all common during the winter holidays. Taking proactive steps offers both safety and peace of mind.
Trusted source: https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety

Tip #7: Keep Children and Pets Safe Around Decorations

Holiday decorations can easily become a hazard for children and pets, especially when cords, candles, or small ornaments are within reach of children.

Reducing Risks for Little Ones and Animals

Children and pets are curious by nature, which can lead to accidents if precautions aren’t taken.

• Keep electric lights, ornaments, and fragile decorations out of reach
• Avoid placing decorations near play areas or pet feeding stations
• Secure cords so they cannot be pulled or chewed
• Use caution with small decorative items that could pose choking hazards

Exposed wires, unstable decorations, or dangling ornaments can quickly become a fire hazard or cause injury if pulled down.

By securing your decorations properly, you avoid injury while making your home safer for everyone.

Tip #8: Use Electrical Safety Devices and Timers

Electrical safety doesn’t stop with lights and cords. Devices designed to prevent overloads and shocks are essential during the winter holidays.

Circuit Interrupters and Electrical Protection

Installing and using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and circuit interrupters is especially important in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.

These devices:

• Cut power instantly if a fault is detected
• Reduce the risk of shock or fire
• Are critical for outdoor lights and decorations

Never force decorations into circuits that are not designed for the load. Decorations into circuits without protection is a common cause of home fires during the holiday season.

Light Timers Add Safety and Convenience

Using light timers automatically shuts off lights while you’re asleep or when you’re away, reducing fire risk and saving energy.

Timers help:

• Prevent overheating
• Protect your home while you leave the house
• Offer peace of mind during overnight hours

Trusted resource: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Holiday-Safety

Tip #9: Outdoor Lights and Decorations Require Extra Care

Outdoor decorating adds curb appeal, but outdoor lights and decorations require strict attention to safety standards.

Outdoor Electrical Safety Best Practices

• Use only lights labeled for outdoor use
• Keep extension cords rated for outdoor use and weather-resistant
• Fasten lights securely to prevent wind damage
• Keep cords away from power lines
• Never staple or nail cords in place

Always use LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights stay cooler, consume less energy, and significantly reduce the risk of overheating.

Using a Ladder Safely

When hanging outdoor decorations:

• Use a stable ladder on level ground
• Have another adult hold the ladder
• Avoid overreaching while climbing
• Never decorate near overhead power lines

Falls are one of the most common holiday injuries, making ladder safety a critical part of protecting your home.

Tip #10: Protect Your Home When You’re Away or Hosting Gatherings

Whether you’re traveling or hosting gatherings, your home needs extra attention during the winter holidays.

Safety Tips When You’re Away

If you plan to travel:

• Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home
• Stop package deliveries to avoid signaling vacancy
• Turn off decorative electric lights
• Never leave candles or fireplaces unattended
• Set your thermostat safely away from freezing

Never leave space heaters or decorations near a radiator, curtains, or other combustible materials.

Hosting Gatherings Safely

When guests are over:

• Keep walkways clear of cords
• Monitor children around candles and fireplaces
• Ensure exits are unobstructed
• Store extra coats away from heat sources

Large gatherings increase distractions, which can lead to accidents if fire safety is overlooked.

Carbon Monoxide Safety During Winter Holidays

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that poses serious danger during winter months when heating systems and fireplaces are in use.

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Exposure

To protect your home:

• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level
• Keep chimneys and vents clear
• Never use grills indoors
• Avoid running vehicles in attached garages

Carbon monoxide poisoning contributes to numerous injuries and fire deaths each year, especially during colder months.

Trusted source: https://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Home and Enjoy the Season

The winter holidays are a time for celebration, but they also bring increased risks. From electrical safety and candle placement to outdoor decorating and cooking, each decision plays a role in preventing accidents.

By following these 10 holiday safety tips, you reduce the likelihood of fires, injuries, and damage — and most importantly, you protect your home and the people inside it.

A few mindful choices can:

• Help keep your home safe
• Reduce the risk of becoming a fire hazard
• Provide lasting peace of mind

With proper planning, safe decorating, and awareness, you can fully enjoy the holiday season knowing your home is prepared.