Lost in the holiday season and all the cheer and revelry that comes with it is that the season presents several risks for burn injuries. From putting up holiday decorations to cooking holiday meals to lighting candles, there are plenty of risks around the home.

Here are five burn risks around the holidays, and what you can do to prevent injury:

Holiday Lighting 

Frayed electrical cords, electrical overload, and careless placement of extension cords are all fire risks. Here are some tips to prevent holiday lighting fires:

  • Inspect electrical cords and light strings for fraying and exposed wires.
  • Read manufacturer instructions for how many lights you can string together.
  • Unplug lighting before replacing bulbs.
  • Do not overload electrical circuits.
  • Do not place electrical and extension cords in water. Make sure any extension cords you use outside are made for the outdoors.
  • Turn off the lights at night before going to sleep.

Christmas Tree Fires

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), one of every 34 Christmas tree fires results in death, compared to one of every 144 total home fires. Here are a few tips to prevent these fires:

  • Follow any applicable holiday lighting safety tips above.
  • Place your tree far away from fireplaces, radiators, candles, and other heat sources.
  • Dispose of your tree when it dries out.

Cooking Holiday Meals 

Whether you’re cooking a deep-fried turkey or a simpler holiday meal, take precautions to avoid fires and contact burns.

  • Keep children out of the kitchen.
  • Do your best not to rush. Start early in the morning if you are cooking a big meal, cook over the days leading up to the holidays, have a holiday potluck, or ask for help.
  • Set timers and stay alert. Holidays are hectic and it can be easy to forget about something on the stove or in the oven.
  • Keep holiday decorations away from the stove and oven.

Lighting Candles

Candles are a common cause of fires around the holidays. Two of every five home decoration fires are the result of candles, reports the USFA. From general Christmas candles to Hanukkah candles on the menorah to dinner candles, make sure you follow these safety tips if you are lighting candles this year:

  • Keep candles at least a foot away from flammable items.
  • Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
  • Only allow adults to light candles.

Fireplaces

Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, you might light your fireplace in the wintertime to keep warm or just for the ambiance. See our blog on fireplace safety for six important tips to prevent home fires and burns.

Follow these five safety tips to avoid holiday-related fires this season. If you suffer a burn injury and want to talk to a lawyer about your right to recover compensation, call our lawyer referral specialists at 844-549-8774 to find an attorney who can answer your questions.