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Thursday, February 6, 2025

Avoiding Christmas fires and holiday hazards this season

NORAL PARHAM
NORAL PARHAM
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.

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As the holiday season is in full swing, millions of households are decking the halls with sparkling lights, festive trees and seasonal decor.

While these decorations add cheer, they also have safety risks that could make holiday celebrations a nightmare. Following expert advice and taking simple precautions can minimize fire hazards and other dangers to enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season.

Electrical malfunctions, open flames and carelessness often cause residential fires during the holiday season. In 2022, electrical malfunctions alone accounted for over $1.4 billion in fire damage, according to data cited by CEO of Fire Cash Buyer Joel Efosa, a company specializing in fire damage recovery.

Electrical issues cause one in three Christmas tree fires, and many of these incidents are preventable.

ā€œOverloading outlets with multiple light strands or decorations increases the risk of overheating and electrical fires,ā€ Efosa said.

He recommends distributing decorations across several outlets and using surge protectors to reduce the risk.

Candles are another significant hazard, causing over $904 million in fire damage last year. Efosa advises keeping candles far from flammable decorations and never leaving them unattended.

ā€œA little caution can prevent major disasters,ā€ Efosa said.

Beyond fire hazards, Christmas lights can pose additional risks, including toxic fumes, electric shocks and even environmental concerns. Chris Madikian, an electrical expert at The Local Electrician, highlights that many lights are coated in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can release harmful fumes if overheated. Older lights may also contain lead and phthalates, posing long-term health risks.

ā€œDamaged wires, uninsulated plugs and improper use of outdoor lights indoors can lead to dangerous electric shocks,ā€ Madikian warned. He suggests inspecting lights for damage and recycling those that appear unsafe.

a couple entangled in christmas/holiday lights.
(Photo/Getty Images)

Here is how you can avoid holiday hazards this season:

Inspect your lights

Before decorating, check for damaged wires, frayed cords or broken bulbs. Faulty lights should not be used and should be recycled responsibly. LED lights are safer, generating less heat and consuming less energy.

Avoid overloading outlets

Plugging too many devices into one outlet can cause overheating. Spread out decorations across multiple outlets and use surge protectors for added safety.

Turn off decorations when unattended

 Always turn off lights and decorations before bed or leaving the house. This simple habit can prevent electrical malfunctions and reduce fire risks.

Keep your Christmas tree hydrated

A dry Christmas tree is highly flammable. Ensure your real tree is well-watered and avoid overloading it with lights.

Store lights properly

Store decorations in airtight, dry containers to prevent mold and dust buildup. Mold spores from improperly stored lights can trigger allergies when brought indoors.

Use heating equipment safely 

Keep space heaters and other heating devices at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains, furniture, and trees. Turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Ventilate Properly

If using older lights, ensure good ventilation to minimize exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by flame-resistant coatings.

Recycle old lights 

Instead of discarding damaged lights in the trash, take them to a recycling center to prevent environmental harm.

ā€œFrom fire hazards and electric shocks to less obvious dangers like toxic fumes, itā€™s crucial to take simple precautions to ensure your celebrations are joyful and safe,ā€ Madikian said.

These tips can help protect your home and loved ones during the holiday season.

You can enjoy a festive, hazard-free holiday season in 2024 by staying vigilant and prioritizing safety.


Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, click here.

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