• Winter/holiday safety
• Winter/holiday safety tips
• Reports and statistics
• Christmas tree fires
• Grilling
• Halloween safety

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Winter/holiday safety

Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.   Keep candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.   Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.   See all safety tips   AUDIO Lorraine Carli, NFPA Vice President of Communications, talks about holiday safety:   Why holiday safety is important   Christmas tree safety tips   How to keep electrical lights as safe as possible   Candle safety tips

The winter holidays are a time for celebration, and that means more cooking, home decorating, entertaining, and an increased risk of fire due to heating equipment.

Facts & figures

• During 2003-2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 250 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of 14 deaths, 26 injuries, and $13.8 million in direct property damage annually.
• During 2003-2006, an estimated 14,800 home structure fires started by candles were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 160 civilian deaths, 1,340 civilian injuries and an estimated direct property loss of $471 million.
• Four in 10 reported home fires start in the kitchen -- more than any other place in the home.
• Half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February in 2003-2006.

Source:  NFPA's Fire Analysis and Research Division

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated: 11/09