North Raleigh Today

Close to 900 home fires caused by holiday decorations occur each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. The Raleigh Fire Department is sharing information with you to help you decorate your home safely during the winter holidays.

When it comes to holiday decorations, safety should always be a top priority. The following tips will ensure that your home is both festive and secure.

First and foremost, it is important to choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. This will greatly reduce the risk of a fire starting. Additionally, make sure to use the right kind of lights for their intended purpose. Some lights are specifically designed for indoor use, while others are meant for outdoor use. Mixing them up can lead to dangerous situations.

It is crucial to inspect all decorations before using them. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Furthermore, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions regarding the maximum number of light strands that can be connected. Overloading electrical outlets with too many decorations or devices can lead to overheating and potential fires.

When hanging lights, use clips instead of nails to prevent damage to the cords. It is also important to keep decorations away from windows and doors, as they can obstruct exits in case of an emergency.

Candles are a popular choice for adding ambiance to holiday decor, but they can also be a serious fire hazard. More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles. To ensure safety, keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative. It is also important to keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and pets.

When it comes to Christmas trees, taking precautions is essential. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can quickly escalate into a major disaster. Keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, such as an air duct, fireplace, or space heater. Additionally, trimming the tree's stump by at least two inches and allowing it to absorb water for 24 hours before bringing it inside will help keep it hydrated and reduce the risk of fire. Regularly check the tree's moisture levels by examining the trunk bark and branches. Dry or shedding needles are signs that the tree is drying out and should be discarded.

Lt. Lemuel Hubbard from the Raleigh Fire Department emphasizes the importance of watering natural Christmas trees, stating, "If you decide to get a natural Christmas tree, make sure you water it every day to prevent it from drying out too fast. When your tree begins to lose a lot of needles when you pull on the branches or if the branches break when you bend them, it’s time to discard the tree. Having a dried-out Christmas tree in your home is a potential fire hazard."

Lastly, before leaving the room or going to bed, always remember to blow out lit candles and turn off all light strings and decorations. These simple actions can prevent potential disasters.

By following these holiday decorating safety tips, you can ensure a festive and secure environment for you and your loved ones. For more information on winter holiday fire safety tips, visit the Winter Holiday Fire Safety Tips page.

Remember, it only takes one small mistake to turn a joyful holiday season into a devastating tragedy. Stay safe and enjoy the holidays responsibly.

Click this link to access more information: https://raleighnc.gov/safety/news/decorate-your-home-safely-during-holidays