The holidays are a time of joy and wonder, days filled with celebrations and gatherings of friends and families. Decorations all around the house, and outside, too! Cooking meals for a crowd, and hosting guests whenever you can. 

Before you get too wrapped up in the excitement and planning, however, here are some practical reminders to help you keep safety in mind. 

Deck the Halls

• Check your decorations. Part of the magic of the holidays is putting up decorations. Make sure items are flame-retardant or nonflammable and keep them away from heat sources.
• Light it up. No celebration is complete without cozy lighting. Check light strands for frayed wires or broken bulbs. Don’t link more than three strands together. Unplug your lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
• Keep it green. If your festivities include a live tree, set it up away from heat sources (fireplace, space heater, etc.) and water daily. A dry Christmas tree can burn very hot and very fast.

Comfort and Joy

• Light a (faux) candle. Candles are steeped in tradition and have long been a symbol of winter holidays. Swap out flame candles for LED-bulb candles and tealights. If you prefer traditional candles, never leave lit candles unattended.
• Cozy by the fire. When the winter weather calls for a fire, make sure your fireplace is ready. Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected. Fire Marshal Safety Recommendation 1, 2025, states there is at least a 3-foot clear zone around the fireplace to prevent accidental flare-ups. Use a fire screen to keep embers and logs in check, and always make sure embers are fully extinguished before going to sleep.
• Give your heater space. Only use electric heaters indoors and keep the area around the heater clear and uncluttered.

Eat and Be Merry!

• Stand by your pan. Kitchens are often the hub of activity during the holidays. Don’t get distracted by extra sous chef helpers or walk away from the stove! Move items like potholders, oven mitts, and grocery bags away from the cooktop. Turn handles inward to prevent pots and pans from getting bumped.
• Cooking for a crowd. Extra guests often mean additional cookware. Be mindful of appliances in use, and don’t overload outlets or power strips to meet the additional demand. Set timers for each dish you cook to avoid a smoke-filled kitchen.
• Keep a lid on it. Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. If a small grease fire starts, put a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Let the pan cool completely. If the oven catches fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. Keep a tested portable fire extinguisher in a visible location. 

Home for the Holidays

• Room for all. Accommodating additional house guests can lead to some creative furniture arrangements. When making sure everyone can be tucked in with care, be careful not to block exits.
• Test smoke alarms. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms throughout, especially in every sleeping area. Test each alarm before guests arrive and share your home fire escape plan with everyone.

As you gear up for guests and winter holidays, be sure to check this list twice and avoid any mishaps. Have a wonderful and safe celebration!