December is the leading month for home fires in the United States, followed by January and February, according to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve are the three days when cooking fires are most likely to occur. The NFPA also reveals that candle fires are most likely to occur on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Day. And these aren't the only holiday hazards that can ruin your festive spirit. These are some of the Christmas holiday safety tips that can also carry you through the winter ahead.
Some people opt for stress-free holiday decoations, but you may have chosen to go all out. According to Dan Mock, vice president of operations at Mister Sparky, you should always check your holiday decorations to be sure they're not damaged. "Replacing broken or burned-out bulbs is important for safety and saves you the headache from having to do it next year." Also, any lights used outside should be rated for outdoor use.
Mock also recommends investing in LED holiday lights -- since they don't use as much electricity, which can save you money on electricity costs.
With so many decorations, lights, and extra appliances being used around the holidays, Brian Petranick, group president at Neighborly Repair Brands, warns that it's easy to overload your outlets. "Use surge protectors and limit the number of devices plugged into one outlet," he advises. And, if needed, Petranick recommends hiring a licensed electrician to install extra outlets, so you can avoid overloading your circuits and potentially starting a fire.
Another Christmas holiday safety tip: Mock adds that you should always use a power strip. "Plugging holiday lights into an outlet directly may result in electrical surges, and power strips also help decrease energy consumption," he explains.
On the other hand, extension cords can come in handy, but they can also be a fire hazard if overloaded - and can also be a tripping hazard. "Make sure they're rated for indoor or outdoor use as needed, and never run them under rugs or furniture where they can overheat," Petranick says. He recommends considering the use of smart plugs or smart power strips to manage electrical loads safely.
If you're planning to host a large gathering, Petranick recommends having your electrical panel inspected for any signs of wear or damage. "An outdated panel may not handle the increased load of holiday lighting and appliances, leading to blown fuses or possibly electrical fires," he explains. If you have any doubt regarding the condition of your panel, have a licensed electrician conduct a safety inspection.
If your home is drafty, or you're trying to save on heating costs, space heaters can come in handy, especially now that home maintenance costs can exceed $10,000 a year. However, Petranick warns they can pose a fire risk if not used safely. "Keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, blankets, and holiday decorations, and if you use a space heater, choose one with automatic shut-off features in case it tips over," he says.
Candles can be visually appealing, and also provide a delightful fragrance. However, the NFPA notes that candle fires tend to peak in December. In fact, year-round, 32% of home decoration fires are caused by candle fires - but that stat jumps to 46% in December. Never leave candles unattended, and be sure to keep them a a stable surface -- at least 12 inches from flammable materials. The NFPA also recommends using battery-operated flameless candles instead.
Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires (44%), and ranges and cooktops account for 53% of home cooking fires. The NFPA notes that unattended cooking is the main cause of cooking fires. During the holidays, it's easy to be distracted by what's going on, but one of the most important Christmas holiday safety tips is to avoid stepping away from food that's cooking - and make sure that pot holders and other flammable material is placed at a saffe distance.
During the holiday season, family members and friends may be helping you clear the dishes and clean up. Another Christmas holiday safety tip is to make sure they (and you, as well), know what can and cannot be put in your drain. According to Joe Mouawad, general manager at the Eastern Municipal Water District, in addition to water and dish soap, small food scraps are acceptable. "If you have a garbage disposal, you can toss in small bits of food, like vegetable peels or small scraps -- just don't overdo it," he says.
However, Mouawad warns against FOG (fats, oils, and grease), because they can clog up your pipes. "Also, avoid things like coffee grounds, eggshells, and anything starchy, or fibrous like banana peels." While these items might seem harmless, he says they can clog up your plumbing down the line. "This can cause unpleasant smells, slow draining, a sink overflow, or in severe cases, a burst pipe." In addition, Mouawad says it can affect the health of your community's sewer system for the same reasons, though on a larger scale.
And there are other items that he's against pouring down the drain. "Avoid gravy and cheese sauces, and starches like rice or pasta, because they expand and block pipes -- and avoid any non-food item like paper, chemicals or plastic."
For fats, oils, and grease, Mouawad recommends keeping an old container handy to pour these substances into, and when it's full, he says you should toss it in the trash. "For vegetable scraps or non-greasy leftovers, composting can be a great way to reduce waste -- just skip the fatty bits," Mouawad says.
If you're traveling for the holidays, Joseph Wade, vice president of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing , recommends leaving the heat on in your home. "If turned off, the drop in temperature can lead to frozen pipes and major damage to the plumbing of your home." However, he says there are plenty of reliable smart sensors and automatic shut off valves that can be installed by professionals to prevent this. "Consider purchasing one and consulting a local plumber this holiday season to have a line of defense - this type of technology can detect temperature changes and water in areas of the home where they shouldn't be."
Wade also recommends investing in heat tape, pipe sleeves or heat cables for active water lines or pipes that are exposed in the winter. "You can attempt to touch the pipes and feel for cold sections if trying to locate areas of concern - typical areas of trouble are the attic or basement," he says.
These Christmas holiday safety tips can keep your home safe through the holiday season and beyond.