December 12, 2025 | From New Orleans Fire Department
Regional Officials Urge Holiday and Winter Fire Safety Ahead of Peak Season
The New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish, Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Plaquemines Parish, and St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1 Fire Departments, along with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, extend their warm wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season to you and your family.
As our community celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, fire officials are reminding residents that holiday-related activities have historically contributed to several devastating fires throughout the metro area. Decorative lighting, candles, seasonal gatherings where people may drink or smoke, and the start of the winter heating season all increase the risk of fire.
In response, regional fire officials have compiled a series of Holiday and Winter Fire Safety Tips for all Metro New Orleans residents to help prevent tragedies and ensure a safe season for everyone.
Fire officials urge residents to observe the following Christmas tree safety precautions:
- Choose a fresh tree, not a dry one. A lack of moisture increases the risk of fire, so be sure to water the tree regularly.
- When purchasing a fresh flocked tree, ask the salesperson if it has been treated with an approved flame-retardant flocking or where you can purchase the approved treatment to do it yourself.
- Place the tree away from heat sources such as heaters or fireplaces. Make sure it does not block exit paths in case of an emergency.
- Use only approved lighting strings—those tested and labeled by nationally recognized product testing laboratories, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
- Replace any lights with frayed wires, loose connections, or cracked plugs.
- Unplug tree lights whenever you leave home or go to bed.
- Do not overload extension cords or electrical outlets. Avoid placing cords under rugs or in locations where they could be damaged. Always use a UL-approved three-pronged extension cord for outdoor use.
- Never hang lights on a metallic tree, as damaged insulation can cause the tree to become electrically charged, creating a shock or fire hazard.
- Never use candles or any open flames on or near the tree.
- Do not burn Christmas trees in fireplaces; flames can flare out of control and send sparks flying.
- After the holidays, remove the tree promptly from your home and place it a safe distance from the house for collection.
When decorating your home with outdoor lighting, officials recommend following these safety precautions:
- Use a dry wooden or fiberglass ladder when hanging lights to reduce the risk of electrical shock, and stay clear of all overhead power lines.
- Secure lights with insulated staples hammered in by hand, rather than using staple guns, to prevent damage to wire insulation that could cause fire or shock.
- Waterproof all electrical connections and keep them elevated to prevent rainwater from entering the connections, which could cause a short circuit or shock.
- Avoid standing in water while handling electrical wiring or using power tools.
- Turn off electrical power when replacing bulbs and keep the electricity off while installing outdoor holiday lights.
- Ensure bulbs do not touch combustible materials, such as wood, plastic, leaves, grass, or pine needles.
Heating Safety Tips
- Have all heating sources inspected annually by a licensed mechanical contractor to ensure safe operation.
- Clean and vacuum floor furnaces before use, and ensure they are properly ventilated.
- Keep floor furnaces free of any coverings or obstructions to prevent fire hazards.
Alternative and Gas Heating Safety Tips
- Avoid using alternative heating sources that rely on open flames or exposed electric elements. These devices are highly dangerous and have been linked to many fires and fatalities. If you choose to use one, follow all safety precautions carefully.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home, as this can lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
- Ensure all gas heating sources are properly ventilated. Keeping a window slightly open can help circulate fresh air and reduce carbon monoxide accumulation in tightly sealed homes.
- Gas heaters should produce a clear blue flame. If the flame appears primarily orange or yellow, have the unit inspected by a professional.
- Place heaters where they cannot be easily knocked over.
- Do not use heaters to dry clothing or other items.
- Maintain a safe distance of at least three feet between heaters and combustible materials, such as curtains or furniture.
- For electric heaters:
- Plug directly into a wall socket—do not use an extension cord.
- Unplug when not in use.
- Inspect cords before use; discard heaters with frayed or damaged cords.
Kitchen and Cooking Safety Tips
- Never leave food unattended while cooking on the stove.
- Turn pot handles inward to prevent accidental spills and burns.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing while cooking, as it can catch fire if it comes in contact with burners.
- Keep appliances clean and free of grease or food debris.
- Keep curtains and other combustible materials away from the stove.
- Ensure the stove is turned off and small appliances are unplugged before going to bed.
- Keep fire extinguishers accessible, especially in the kitchen, for quick response in case of emergency.
Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
- For optimal protection, install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each bedroom, and on every floor of the home.
- At a minimum, place smoke alarms outside every bedroom and on every floor.
- Do not install smoke alarms in the kitchen or bathroom, as steam and cooking smoke can trigger false alarms.
- Test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are working properly.
- Keep alarms away from air vents to prevent interference with proper detection.
- Install smoke alarms at least 4 to 6 inches from walls and corners for accurate operation.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Safety Tips
- Install carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms and family rooms for optimal protection, placing one approximately 15 feet from any heat source.
- Do not install detectors near air vents or fans, as airflow can affect proper operation.
- Test CO detectors weekly by pressing the test/silence button to ensure the alarm functions correctly.
- Keep detectors dust-free by regularly vacuuming around vents and detector areas to maintain proper operation.
Electrical Wiring Safety Tips
- Replace any frayed or cracked wiring immediately to prevent fire hazards.
- Do not place wiring under rugs, over nails, or in high-traffic areas where it could be damaged.
- Use surge protectors to avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Keep covers on electrical plates to protect children and prevent exposure to live wiring.
Smoking Safety Tips
- Never smoke in bed to prevent accidental fires.
- Keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture, curtains, and other combustible materials.
- Always fully extinguish cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products.
- Check wastebaskets and furniture for smoldering cigarettes before leaving the area.
Party and Holiday Gathering Safety Tips
- Use only flame-retardant or noncombustible materials for costumes and decorations.
- Exercise caution with chafing dishes, whether using open flames or highamperage electric types.
- Provide large, deep, stable ashtrays for smokers, and monitor anyone who is both drinking and smoking to reduce fire risk.
Children’s Fire Safety Tips
- Keep lighters and matches out of children’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet. Use child-resistant lighters whenever possible.
- Teach children how to call for emergency assistance in case of a fire.
- Use safety plugs in all electrical outlets to prevent accidental shock.
- When purchasing toys, avoid items made of highly flammable materials, and ensure all electric toys are labeled by an independent testing laboratory.
- Teach young children to stay away from candles, fireplaces, and space heaters.
Fireplace Safety Tips
- Use only seasoned wood in your fireplace. Never burn green wood, plastic logs, paper, or trash.
- Ensure the chimney flue is open before using the fireplace.
- Always use a protective screen to prevent sparks from escaping.
- Clean the fireplace interior, hearth, and chimney annually.
- Have your chimney inspected by a professional at least once a year and cleaned as needed.
- Remove ashes in a metal container, and never store ashes inside your home, as they may rekindle.
Candle Safety Tips
- Place candles in sturdy, non-tip holders before lighting.
- Never burn candles near a Christmas tree or other combustible decorations and displays.
- Keep candles away from curtains and other flammable materials, and never place them in windows or near exits.
- Never leave candles unattended or within the reach of small children.
- Extinguish all candles before leaving the room, going to bed, or leaving home.
This year, as you make your holiday gift list, consider giving the gift of life. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and home fire extinguishers make thoughtful gifts that could save the life of a loved one. Help us spread the word about holiday fire safety and ensure everyone in the community has a safe and joyous holiday season!
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