Christmas Safety – Protecting Our Communities and Ourselves

CSFA Community Risk Reduction

As we turn the corner from Thanksgiving to Christmas, many will start putting out Christmas decorations. Additionally, the holiday season is filled with celebrations from fire department parties and community parades to family gatherings and last‑minute shopping trips. But amid the joy and bustle, risks to safety and security increase.

Travel spikes, kitchens fill with amateur chefs, co‑workers toast the season, and homes glow with lights and decorations. These traditions bring warmth, but they also introduce hazards.

Consider the numbers:

•         U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 170 home fires per year caused by Christmas trees.
•         Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in nearly half of these incidents.
•         Decorative lights sparked almost one in five fires.
•         Heat sources such as candles or equipment placed too close to trees caused another fifth.
•         Alarmingly, one in five Christmas tree fires were intentional, with many occurring in January.
•         Nearly 40% of Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

As firefighters, we carry a dual responsibility to educate our communities about holiday dangers and to safeguard ourselves.

Community Safety

Firefighters are ambassadors of safety, and the holidays are an ideal time to spread awareness. Use your station sign board, social media, and community events to share messages. If your engine is in a parade, consider handing out safety‑themed tags. Even during EMS runs or false alarms, take a moment to check homes for unsafe decorations or wiring.

Key safety tips to share with the public:

•         Inspect lights for frayed or damaged wiring before use.
•         Unplug lights at night or when leaving home.
•         Keep live Christmas trees well‑watered.
•         Replace candles with flameless alternatives.
•         If using real candles, place them in sturdy holders away from curtains.
•         Keep decorations, cards, and tinsel away from heat sources.
•         Use fireplaces only if recently serviced; always use a screen and never burn wrapping paper or trees.
•         Test smoke alarms.
•         Make sure all guests know the home’s emergency escape plan.
•         Never drink and drive.

Providing printed resources or downloadable safety materials can reinforce these messages.

Firefighter Safety

Community safety starts with us. The holidays bring unique risks for firefighters:

•         Driving: Roads are crowded with shoppers and revelers, and winter weather adds hazards. Check rigs for readiness each shift, anticipate heavier traffic, and slow down, seconds  saved by speeding rarely change outcomes but can prevent crashes.
•         Fatigue: Extra shifts and family obligations can stretch you thin. Don’t sacrifice rest; fatigue endangers you and your crew.
•         Department celebrations: Holiday parties are common. Limit alcohol, remain professional, and ensure safe rides home. Follow safety rules when children or family interact with apparatus.
•         Carbon monoxide: Watch for the “silent killer.” Symptoms like nausea, headaches, or unconsciousness may signal CO exposure. Carry portable monitors and move victims and yourself to fresh air quickly.
•         Complacency: Busy departments may lose sight of risk after repeated minor calls, while quieter ones may feel falsely secure. Combat complacency by inspecting equipment at the start of each shift, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, practicing gross decon after fires, and reviewing policies such as 360‑degree assessments and safe winter driving.

Final Thought

The holidays should be a season of joy, not tragedy. By sharing safety messages with our communities and practicing vigilance ourselves, we can ensure that celebrations remain merry, bright, and safe!

Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Flashflood Safety during our summer monsoon months. This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction, or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]

Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com