Keep Your Holidays Safe and Warm
Keep Your Holidays Safe and Warm: Seasonal Fire Safety Tips from United Services by Permaco
The holiday season is a time for gathering, celebrating, and creating memories with the people who matter most. Homes fill with light, color, tradition, and warmth — but they also fill with decorations, candles, cooking, and extra electrical use. All of these can increase the risk of fire if the proper precautions aren’t taken.
At United Services by Permaco, we’ve spent more than four decades helping families and businesses recover after the unexpected. One of the simplest and most powerful gifts you can give your home this season is a few mindful habits that keep your celebrations safe, warm, and worry-free. Inspired by guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), here’s how to protect the magic of the season without dimming the glow.
Tree & Decoration Safety
If you’re celebrating with a real tree, keep it well-hydrated. A dry tree becomes a fire hazard much faster than most people realize — and it can ignite in seconds. Check the water level daily, and make sure the base never runs dry. Artificial trees also need attention: confirm yours is labeled “flame-resistant” or “flame-retardant” and avoid placing any tree near heaters, fireplaces, or candles.
Decorations add beauty to your home but also add fuel if something goes wrong. Always keep trees, presents, garlands, and decorative fabrics at least three feet away from heat sources, including radiators, fireplaces, candles, and space heaters.
Candle & Open-Flame Traditions
This time of year also brings cherished traditions involving open flames — from holiday candles to menorahs and decorative displays. To enjoy them safely:
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Place candles and menorahs on a stable, nonflammable surface
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Keep at least 12 inches of clearance from anything that could burn
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Never leave open flames unattended
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Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
Consider flameless LED candles if you want ambience without the added risk. They’ve come a long way and offer the same warm glow with none of the worry.
Holiday Lights & Electrical Safety
Before plugging in those holiday lights, give each strand a quick inspection. Look for cracked sockets, frayed wires, loose bulbs, or melted areas. Damaged strands should be replaced, not repaired.
A few more electrical safety reminders:
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Do not connect more light strings together than the manufacturer recommends
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Use indoor and outdoor lights only as they’re rated
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Avoid overloading power strips or outlets
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Unplug decorative lights before bedtime or when you leave home
Remember: holiday lights are “temporary wiring.” That means they’re not built for long-term continuous use — give them breaks and keep an eye on them.
Cooking Safety During the Busiest Time of the Year
With so many gatherings this time of year, your kitchen may see more activity than usual. Cooking is one of the top causes of winter house fires, so a few simple habits go a long way:
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Stay in the kitchen when using the stove or oven
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Keep dish towels, packaging, and decorations away from heat
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Use timers to stay on track during busy holiday prep
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Keep children and pets a safe distance from hot surfaces
The holidays are joyful — don’t let distractions turn a celebration into an emergency.
Check Your Home’s Defenses
This is the perfect season to give your home’s safety equipment a quick check:
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Test smoke detectors
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Replace old batteries
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Confirm you have a fire extinguisher accessible
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Keep exits and walkways free from holiday clutter
A few small adjustments now can make all the difference later.
From Our Family to Yours
From all of us at United Services by Permaco, we wish you a safe, warm, and wonderfully bright holiday season. If you ever need us — before, during, or after the holidays — our team is on call 24/7 to help protect what matters most.
Stay safe. Stay warm. And enjoy the magic of the season.
