Christmas Fire Safety

Sound Beach Fire Department – Keeping Your Holidays Safe and Bright

At the Sound Beach Fire Department, your safety is our top priority—especially during the holiday season. Christmas is a time for joy, family, and celebration, but it also brings an increased risk of home fires. Each year, hundreds of fires are caused by Christmas trees, decorations, and candles. With a few simple precautions, you can ensure a safe and festive season for everyone.

Common Holiday Fire Hazards

• Christmas Trees: Dry trees can catch fire in seconds.

• Electrical Decorations: Overloaded outlets and faulty lights can spark fires.

• Candles: Open flames near flammable decorations are a serious risk.

• Cooking Fires: Holiday meals often involve long hours in the kitchen—stay alert.

Christmas Tree Safety

• Choose a fresh, green tree with needles that do not fall off easily.

• Cut 1–2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in water.

• Keep the tree watered daily to prevent it from drying out.

• Position the tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.

• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.

Lighting and Electrical Safety

• Use only UL-listed lights and extension cords rated for indoor or outdoor use, as appropriate.

• Inspect lights for frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections before use.

• Avoid overloading electrical outlets—use a power strip with a surge protector.

• Turn off all lights and decorations when leaving the house or going to bed.

Candle Safety

• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable.

• Use sturdy, non-tip candle holders placed on stable surfaces.

• Never leave candles unattended, especially around children or pets.

• Consider battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative.

Kitchen Safety During the Holidays

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking—especially when frying, grilling, or broiling.

• Keep flammable items away from the stovetop, including oven mitts, towels, and food packaging.

• Keep a lid or baking sheet nearby to smother small grease fires if needed.

• Ensure your smoke alarms are working—test them monthly and replace batteries as needed.

In Case of Fire

If a fire breaks out, get out, stay out, and call 911. Never go back inside a burning building. Make sure your household has a home fire escape plan and practice it regularly.

Contact the Sound Beach Fire Department

For more information on holiday fire safety or to request a home safety inspection, please contact:

Phone: (631) 744-2151
E-mail: info@soundbeachfd.org
Address: 152 Sound Beach Blvd, Sound Beach, NY 11789

Wishing you a safe and joyful holiday season,

Sound Beach Fire Department