šHoliday Safety at Homeš
- Anna Hayford
- Dec 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2025
As holiday lights go up and the house fills with festive cheer, itās easy to forget just how many hidden hazards surround us this season. From toys to turkey fryers, this time of year needs a little extra care.
Hereās what everyone should know this year:
šTree & Decoration Safety
If using a live tree, water it every day. A dry tree can catch fire and burn very fast.
If using an artificial tree, check the label. Make sure it's marked āFire Resistant.āĀ That doesnāt make it immune, but it does reduce fire risk.
Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from heat sourcesĀ (fireplace, radiator, space heater, candles, heat vents).
Make sure the tree is securely anchored. A toppling tree = broken lights + chaos + bigger fire risk (especially with kids/pets around).
Donāt leave holiday lights or decorations on overnight or when you leave the house. This is a major electrical/fire risk that you don't want to be asleep for.
NeverĀ place lit candles on or near the tree. Consider using battery-operated flameless candlesĀ instead of real ones.
š„ Heating, Candles & Electric Hazards
If using a space heaterĀ (or any portable heater), make sure itās plugged directly into a wall outlet, not a power strip or extension cord, and keep anything flammable well away.
Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything flammable, place in stable holders, and never leave them unattended or burning while asleep.
Make sure smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectorsĀ are working properly. Check the batteries at least twice a year.
š Cooking & Turkey Fryer Safety
Cooking is the #1 cause of residential fires. During the holidays, from Thanksgiving to New Years, the number of cooking fires spikes dramatically.
Never leave food cooking unattended. Stay by the stove/oven. Keep kids and pets away from cooking zones.
If using a turkey fryer, it must be used outside, on a level non-flammable surface, away from the house/buildings or flammable materials. Never fry turkey indoors (garage, porch, etc.).
Proper thawing and drying of the turkey is essential ā and never overfill the oil. Use protective gear, have a fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to smother a grease fire (never with water).
Here's why:
šŖ Ladders, Roofs & Outdoor Hazards
If putting up lights/decorations outdoors, especially on roofs or elevated areas, always use a stable, well-positioned ladder, and follow ladder-safety best practices.
Donāt overload outlets or circuits when plugging in many lights; inspect all cords to make sure wiring isnāt frayed or damaged.
Here's why:
š Fireworks & New Yearās Celebrations
For New Yearās (or any celebration involving fireworks/sparklers): Only use fireworks outdoors, far away from houses, buildings, trees, dry leaves or decorations.
Never use indoor sparklers or fireworks, especially near flammable dƩcor or dry Christmas trees.
Keep a safe distance, supervise children and pets, and have water or a fire extinguisher handy when using fireworks.
Immediately move away after lighting a firework ("put it in reverse, Terry!")
Note: Terry is doing extremely well after his viral incident, bringing exposure to the need for functioning mobile equipment and dangers of not having it.
ā Toy Safety
When picking toys, always follow the age-guidance and safety information on the packaging. If a toy includes small parts (balls, marbles, balloons, tiny pieces), it can be a choking hazard, especially for children under 3.
As soon as gifts are opened, immediately discard plastic wrappings, ribbons, balloon pieces, and other packagingĀ before they become dangerous āplaythings" for kids and pets. (Just ask me about my cats + strings debacle!)
If kids get riding toys (scooters, etc.), make sure proper helmets are used every time.
šŗ More To-Dos from Ally Safety:
Bottom Line: Why Itās āThe Most Dangerous Time of the Yearā
Because for every tradition ā cooking big family meals, lighting up the tree, decorating indoors and outdoors, sharing gifts ā thereās a small added risk. Put enough of those together ā heated rooms, dry tree + lights, candles + kids, deep-frying + distractions ā and the danger multiplies.
A few mindful precautions, some extra vigilance, and a working fire extinguisher and smoke alarm can turn a potential disaster into a safe, joyous holiday.
Resources:
