Ensuring a Safe and Festive Holiday Season: 10 Tips from the American Red Cross

As the holiday season unfolds, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to prioritize safety while adorning their homes for the upcoming celebrations, safeguarding against the increased risk of home fires associated with decorations like trees, lights, and candles. The National Fire Protection Association highlights Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day as the top three days for home candle fires during the holidays.

To mitigate the risk of home fires—the most common disaster nationwide—the Red Cross recommends testing smoke alarms and practicing home fire escape plans using resources available at redcross.org/homefires. Additionally, follow these 10 straightforward safety guidelines when embellishing your living space with lights and ornaments:

1. Inspect all holiday light cords to ensure they are not frayed or broken, and avoid stringing more than three strands together per extension cord.

2. When opting for an artificial tree, search for the fire-resistant label and position it away from sources of heat such as fireplaces and radiators.

3. If choosing a live tree, confirm its freshness and regularly water it to maintain vitality, checking for needle retention by gently bending the needles.

4. Verify labels on older decorations; some may contain lead-based materials. Wear gloves when handling angel hair to prevent irritation and avoid inhaling artificial snow.

5. Outdoor decorations should be designated for outdoor use, securely fastened to homes or trees. Insulate hooks or nails used outside to prevent electrocution or fire hazards.

6. Exercise caution when using ladders, ensuring stable placement and wearing shoes with good traction.

7. Avoid using electric lights on metallic trees.

8. Remember to turn off all holiday lights before bedtime or leaving the house.

9. Keep candles away from children, pets, and decorations.

10. If hanging stockings on the fireplace mantel, refrain from lighting the fireplace.

The Red Cross, through its Home Fire Campaign, strives to save lives by addressing the devastating impact of home fires, which claim more lives annually than all other U.S. natural disasters combined. Launched in October 2014, the campaign installs free smoke alarms and helps families devise escape plans, reaching over 1.6 million people and saving at least 474 lives across the country. Key accomplishments include installing 1.5 million free smoke alarms, enhancing safety for 623,000 households, and educating 1.2 million children through youth preparedness programs.

Individuals can contribute to this life-saving mission by making financial donations, volunteering, or taking steps to protect their families from home fires. For more information, visit redcross.org.