Celebrate the season with tips from Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

Lights, candles, and décor make the holidays more festive. And cooking family favorites is an important tradition for many. To ensure your holidays are smooth and injury free, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue recommends keeping a few things in mind as you celebrate the season.

In the kitchen

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are peak days for home fires. Not to mention, during the holidays it is easier to get burned in the kitchen and knives are used more frequently. Millions of people each year also get sick from bad or improperly cooked food. Here are a few tips to reduce kitchen risks:

  1. Only cook when you are alert and awake
  2. Create a "kid free" zone in the kitchen
  3. Have a fire extinguisher handy
  4. Keep a splash guard or lid nearby to prevent grease splatter
  5. Keep knives clean and sharp
  6. Hold knives correctly and use the right knife for the job
  7. Wash food, counters, and your hands before, after, and while cooking
  8. Use a cooking thermometer and adhere to recommended cooking temperatures for meats, fish, and poultry

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms (that work) improve your safety from a home fire by providing early detection. Keep your smoke alarms working for you by:

  1. Having smoke alarms in each bedroom, immediately outside the sleeping areas, in the living space, and on every level of your home. Alarms are not needed in the kitchen as they become nuisance alarms.
  2. Testing alarms monthly. Working smoke alarms decrease your chance of dying in a fire by half.
  3. Replacing batteries twice a year. When you change the clocks, change the batteries. 
  4. Replacing smoke alarms every 10 years

Ladder safety

If hanging lights is part of your holiday routine, do it more safely with these recommendations:

  1. Check the weather - avoid standing on a ladder in windy or drizzly conditions
  2. Use the right ladder for the job and ensure it is in good condition
  3. Be cautious around doors that can open into the ladder on which you are working

Christmas trees and lights

Whether your tree is reminiscent of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree or is a 10-foot beauty, correct placement and proper décor make all the difference. Here are a few things to consider:

  1. Water live trees daily
  2. Make sure your tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source
  3. Use shatterproof ornaments
  4. Your tree should not block an exit to your home
  5. Lights, cords, and power strips should be UL tested
  6. Replace light strings that have broken or loose cords or bulbs
  7. Unplug lights before leaving the house or going to bed

Candles and decorations

Candles are a special part of many holidays and this time of year Christmas, Hannukah, and Kwanzaa candles hold special meaning. Here are a few tips to use them safely:

  1. Do not leave candles unattended. Blow them out before leaving the room or going to bed
  2. Keep kids and pets away from lit candles, matches, and lighters
  3. Keep lit candles away from anything that can burn
  4. Wax warmers and flameless candles are safer alternatives to candles
  5. Choose decorations that are flame-resistant or retardant

Space heaters

Although chilly days are few and far between in Hillsborough County, sometimes a little extra heat is necessary. If you plan to use a space heater, here are a few recommendations:

  1. Give it space! Place space heaters at least 3 feet from everything in the room, including walls and furniture. Keep children and pets at least 3 feet from the heater. 
  2. Plug space heaters directly into the wall, never an extension cord or power strip
  3. Unplug all heaters before leaving the room or going to bed for the night
  4. Only use models that have an automatic shut-off feature

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your holiday season is filled with joy, not accidents. Whether you're cooking, decorating, or enjoying festive traditions, staying mindful of fire and safety hazards will help keep your celebrations happy and stress-free.