Winter Holiday Safety

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together but that also means a greater risk for fire. The Lebanon Fire Department encourages residents to follow a few simple tips to ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season. 

Holiday decorating 

  • Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. 
  • Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. 
  • Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. 
  • Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. 
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged. 
  • Keep decorations away from windows and doors. 
Winter Holiday Safety Flyer

Holiday Entertaining 

  • Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan. 
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles. 
  • Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet. 
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop. 
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them. 
  • Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding. 

Before Heading Out or to Bed

  • Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. 
  • Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. 

For more fire safety tips, visit our Emergency Preparedness and Safety page.