The holidays bring family gatherings, festive lights, decorated trees, and delicious meals—but they also bring one of the highest fire-risk seasons of the year. Between candles, cooking, electrical overloads, and dry décor, fire incidents spike dramatically in November and December.
At Crime Prevention Security Systems, your safety has been our mission for more than 50 years. As you enjoy the season, here are the most important ways to keep your home safe from fire hazards—plus how CPSS monitored smoke detectors can give you an extra layer of life-saving protection.
🎄 1. Be Smart with Holiday Lights
Decorative lights add beauty to your home, but they also create risk if not used properly.
Holiday Light Safety Tips:
- Inspect cords for cracks, fraying, or exposed wires.
- Use LED lights—they stay cooler and use less energy.
- Never plug too many strands into one outlet or extension cord.
- Turn lights off before going to bed or leaving home.
Pro Tip: Use CPSS smart home outlets or schedules to automatically shut lights off at night.
🔥 2. Never Leave Cooking Unattended
Cooking is the number one cause of home fires—especially during the holidays when kitchens are busy and distractions are everywhere.
To stay safe:
- Stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, or grilling.
- Set timers for anything baking or simmering.
- Keep flammable items (kitchen towels, paper plates, oven mitts) away from the stovetop.
- Turn pot handles inward to avoid spills.
A few seconds away from the stove can turn into a major hazard. Stay alert!
🕯️ 3. Be Careful with Candles
Nothing sets a cozy mood like candlelight, but an unattended candle causes hundreds of fires each year.
If you use candles:
- Keep them 12+ inches from anything that can burn.
- Never leave them unattended—especially around kids and pets.
- Blow candles out before leaving a room.
- Consider flameless LED candles for a safer glow.
🌲 4. Protect Your Tree
Whether it’s real or artificial, your Christmas tree can become a fire hazard without proper care.
For real trees:
- Choose a fresh tree with flexible, green needles.
- Water daily—dry trees can ignite in seconds.
- Keep the tree away from heat sources and vents.
For artificial trees:
- Make sure it’s labeled “fire-resistant.”
- Check lights before decorating.
🔥 5. Keep Space Heaters Safe
As temperatures drop, space heaters come out—but they’re a leading cause of winter home fires.
Follow the 3-foot rule:
Keep heaters 3 feet away from bedding, furniture, curtains, and décor.
Always turn heaters off before leaving a room.
🎁 6. Plan for Fire-Safe Gift Wrapping
Wrapping paper burns fast.
- Throw gift wrap away immediately instead of letting it pile up.
- Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace—it can cause flash fires.
- Keep presents away from open flames or heat sources.
🚒 7. Test Your Smoke Detectors Before Guests Arrive
Holiday gatherings mean more cooking, more electrical use, and more people in the home. Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
Check these items:
- Replace batteries if needed.
- Make sure each level of your home has a working detector.
- Test alarms monthly.
But the best protection comes from monitored fire systems.
🔥 CPSS Monitored Smoke Detectors: Protection That Never Sleeps
During the holidays, you may be traveling, sleeping deeply, or distracted by guests and activity. That’s why CPSS monitored smoke detectors give you the highest level of fire safety.
Why They Matter
- 24/7 monitoring, even when you’re away
- Immediate alerts to emergency services
- Enhanced safety for families, pets, and visitors
- Professional installation and maintenance
If smoke or fire is detected, CPSS operators respond instantly—help is dispatched even if you’re not home or unable to call 911.
Enjoy a Safe and Happy Holiday Season
With the right precautions—and the added peace of mind from CPSS fire protection systems—you can enjoy the holidays knowing your home and loved ones are well-protected.
📞 Call 800-949-1799 to learn more about CPSS monitored smoke detectors and complete home fire protection.
