As family and friends gather for holiday cheer in your home this year, make sure everyone has a merry, bright—and safe—time. Follow these safety tips to ensure your home is ready for the festive activities of the holiday season.
Fire Safety
Test smoke alarms monthly. Protect your house with an adequate number of working alarms (one in each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home).
Create a fire escape plan and share it. Include the location of your outside meeting place and two escape routes from each room.
Clean and illuminate hallways, stairs and doorways. Remove clutter and anything that could hinder escape during a fire emergency.
Consider having older guests or those with mobility issues sleep on the ground floor.
Decoration Safety
Avoid overloading outlets, which can overheat and cause a fire.
Place extension cords in areas where they will not be tripping hazards.
Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture.
Inspect all electrical cords for damage prior to use. Replace as necessary.
Keep decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources, including space heaters and fireplaces.
Place cords, breakables, candles and other potentially dangerous items out of children’s reach.
Turn off and unplug decorations before leaving home or going to sleep.
Use only weatherproof electrical devices for outside activities and protect them from moisture.
Water live Christmas trees daily.
Heating Equipment Safety
Have your heating system inspected annually by a licensed, qualified professional.
Keep space heaters out of high-traffic areas and at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
Turn off space heaters and unplug them when you leave the room.
Never leave a fireplace or open flame unattended.
