First, some facts from the American Red Cross:

• Nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554 million in property damage.
• On average, one of every 22 home fires started by Christmas trees result in death.
• During the winter holiday season, an average of 40 home fires per day are caused by children playing.
• The number of home fires the American Red Cross has responded to has risen 10% since 2000.
• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of injury in a fire by nearly half.

Christmas Tree Safety

Here are a few tips for selecting the right tree and keeping it in a safe condition throughout the holidays.

• Be sure to select a fresh tree that does not have needles that easily fall off.
• When you get home, cut the trunk two inches from the base.
• Add water to the tree stand, repeat daily.
• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Never keep any lights on the tree lit for a prolonged period of time.
• After Christmas, promptly remove your tree from the house.

Christmas Light Safety

Decorating your home with Christmas lights is a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays. However, this tradition can also pose some risks.

• First, the act of hanging the lights needs to be addressed with caution.
• Be sure to check each set of lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections.
• Have someone hold your ladder when you hang lights that are up high.
• Always turn off lights before leaving your home for an extended period of time.
• After the holidays, remove and store your lights to prevent hazards and extend the life of your lights.

Holiday Cooking Safety

Whether you are hosting a holiday party, or simply carrying on a tradition; it’s likely your home will be filled with friends, family, and food.

• Anytime you bake, simmer, or roast food be sure to check it regularly.
• Make sure a properly-rated fire extinguisher is nearby.
• Keep a lid handy to prevent any potential grease fires.
• Create a “kid-free zone” that prevents children from getting within three feet of the stove and oven.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top. If a fire starts, make sure everyone gets out of the house and close all of the doors behind you, then call 911.

And don't forget: smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to keep your home fire safe during the holidays.

*Sources: www.culvercity.org, www.onemedical.com, www.restorationmasterfinder.com, www.redcross.org

Our industry takes pride in advancing safety in all aspects of life. Deep South Crane & Rigging, LLC's marketing team has prepared this content with the intent that it be shared as potential safety topics used to start meetings industry wide. We have used website resources that are sourced via links throughout the article and do not claim to be an expert on this topic.