Holiday Safety

Every year, 900 fires are caused by decorations –– including the ones we put up on Halloween.

Halloween safety checklist:

1. Choose bright costumes for you and/or your children so you’re all always visible.
2. Give your children flashlights when they go trick-or-treating.
3. Only use candles with batteries (not real candles) in lanterns.
4. Keep all your decorations away from any open flames.
5. Check that all your smoke alarms at home are working.
6. Keep all your exits and escape routes free of any decorations on the floor.

During Christmas or Thanksgiving, it’s likely that we are preparing large meals, hanging up decorations or have many people around us in the kitchen.

For Richmond Fire-Rescue, Thanksgiving is the busiest time of the year due to large numbers of cooking fires. 

Be sure you’re aware of how to prevent the risk of fire in your home, so you can celebrate worry-free.

Festive cooking safety checklist:

1. Set timers to check on your food frequently.
2. Keep children and pets away from hot foods, liquids, knives and stovetops.
3. If you are using a fryer, check that oil won’t overflow when you place your food in.
4. Check that all your smoke alarms at home are working.

Festive decorations safety checklist:

1. Choose decorations that are flame resistant.
2. Keep any candles away from decorations or other things that can burn.
3. Use clips instead of nails to hang lights.
4. Avoid hanging decorations near doors or windows.
5. Keep Christmas trees at least three feet away from sources of heat like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
6. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the house or going to sleep.
7. Keep all your exits and escape routes free of any decorations on the floor.

Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate special events, but they can lead to burns and injuries if you try to use them yourself.

People often think sparklers are harmless, but they can reach up to 700 degrees and even cause third-degree burns.

NOTE: Fireworks are illegal in Richmond. You cannot own, sell or light them without a permit.

Fireworks safety checklist:

1. Do not handle fireworks at home.
2. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public event organized by experts.
3. Watch children carefully at events where fireworks like sparklers are being used.