Christmas Season Safety Tips from the RBFD

Fire safety should be part of everyone’s planning when preparing for the upcoming holiday season festivities. Here are a few suggestions from the Red Bluff Fire Department to help make your holiday season a safe one.

A Few Suggestions

  • Be sure to test your smoke detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary.

  • Clean the oven and stove prior to the holiday. Often the extra load on these appliances causes a fire due to the high use and extra grease build-up.

  • Keep kitchen clutter away from the stove and oven.

  • Use extreme caution with candles; never leave them unattended.

  • Keep decorations away from sources of heat such as open flames, electric heaters and exposed electric bulbs.

  • Don't overload electric outlets. Inspect electrical cords and light sets. If in doubt - throw them out.

Christmas Trees

  • Keep your Christmas tree in a sturdy base filled with water and check the water level daily.

  • Spraying the Christmas tree with a flame retardant is always a good idea.  

  • Make a fresh cut on the trunk of your tree and place in a sturdy holder.

  • Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and heaters.

  • Do not use candles on or near the tree, in fact, we prefer that you don't use candles at all.

  • Safely dispose of your tree before it becomes dangerously dry, however never burn tree or tree parts in your fireplace.

Christmas Lights

  • Purchase only UL approved lights.

  • Check all indoor and outdoor lights for frayed cords, replace if necessary.

  • Never use lights that have an empty socket.

  • Lights should not touch combustible materials.

  • Use only outdoor lights for "outdoors".

  • Turn off all Christmas lights, prior to leaving your home or going to bed.

  • Mini lights are safest because they produce less heat.

  • Avoid using extension cords, but if you do follow instructions carefully. 

  • Do not overload electrical circuits, such as wall outlets and extension cords, use a circuit strip.

Wrapping Paper

  • Keep combustible wrapping paper away from heat sources.

  • Never burn wrappings in your fireplace.