• Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together—no more than three per extension cord.
  • Only use up-to-date cords. Ensure your electrical power strips and extension cords are compliant with modern codes and no more than five years old.
  • Keep decor away from direct heat sources. Keep live and fake trees away from fireplaces, radiators, or other sources of direct heat. Don't light the fireplace if stockings are hung there without adequate space.
  • Water your live trees, poinsettias, and holiday plants. Regular watering will prevent trees from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.
  • When decorating outside, make sure decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. Avoid securing lights with nails or hooks that will split any cords to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
  • Have a spotter when using a ladder. Make sure to have good, stable placement and wear shoes that allow for good traction. Always keep three points of contact on the ladder: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.
  • Don’t forget to turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house. Light timers can help with this.
  • Hang delicate or breakable ornaments further up and out of reach of pets and young children to help prevent accidents.
  • Check your smoke detectors and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. It is vital to have the proper safety response equipment on hand in case of kitchen mishaps or holiday decor accidents.