OHIO — Between 2018 and 2022, fire departments across the U.S. responded to an average of 155 home fires caused by Christmas trees annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. On average, one of every 22 home fires started by Christmas trees result in death, according to the American Red Cross. 

This holiday season, officials are urging Ohioans to put fire safety top of mind when decorating for the holidays. Christmas trees aren't the only hazards, though. Christmas decorations, cooking and other incidents can cause holiday home fires. The American Red Cross also reports nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays, which have killed more than 500 people and caused more than 2,000 injuries. 

To prevent fires this holiday season, the City of Worthington has tips to help residents deck the halls safely. 

  • Choose holiday decorations made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or non-combustible materials
  • Keep candles away from decorations and other combustible materials — always have someone in the room when burning candles
  • Use lights and electrical decorations bearing the name of an independent testing lab, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions
  • New and previously used light strings should be inspected before use each season and replace damaged items
  • Before replacing bulbs or fuses, unplug what it'll be connected to
  • Make certain any extension cords are rated to handle the amount of electricity being supplied
  • Mount lighting so the cord's wire insulation is protected from damage
  • Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations
  • Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving the house or going to bed
  • Check to make sure your fire alarms are working

Aside from decorations, cooking is an important part of the holidays, but it could also be harmful if precautions aren't taken.

“Holiday celebrations can be easily ruined by fires, which are often preventable,” State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. Reardon added that by staying alert and following safety tips, Ohioans to ensure a safe holiday season for all. 

The Ohio Department of Commerce released these tips when cooking up a holiday meal:

  • Never leave cooking food unattended
  • Use timers to remind yourself of food that may be on the stove or in the oven
  • Keep kids and pets away from cooking areas by maintaining a safe distance of at least three feet from indoor and outdoor cooking areas
  • Use this as a teachable moment by involving children in the cooking process and teaching them about cooking safety 
  • Keep flammable materials away from heat sources, such as paper towels, napkins and other combustibles
  • Use caution with turkey fryers
  • Have a fire extinguisher ready