DPS NEWS

Holiday Fire Safety

It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire.

As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.

Candle Safety

 The top three days of the year for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve.

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.

Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Holiday Light Safety

Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.

Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.

Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.

Christmas Tree Safety

Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.

Water your live Christmas tree daily to keep it from becoming dry.

Fireworks Safety

In Utah, it is legal to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve from 11 am to 1 am on January 1st.

If you’re going to celebrate with fireworks, please celebrate safely.

Fire Risk

Fireworks can cause serious injuries and have the potential to start fires.

Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year.

National Fire Protection Association

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.  

The National Fire Protection Association has some fireworks safety tips in the document linked to below.

Get more details about fireworks safety and stats about injuries here: https://dpsnews.utah.gov/celebrating-with-fireworks-make-sure-you-celebrate-safely/