The winter holidays are a wonderful time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. As you enjoy the festivities, remember that a few simple safety steps can make all the difference in keeping your loved ones safe.
Holiday Decorating & Tree Safety Whether you’re decorating with lights, candles, or a beautiful tree, safety should always come first. Always turn off tree lights before leaving home or going to bed, keep decorations at least three feet away from heat sources, and make sure your tree isn’t blocking any exits. Replace any damaged light strings and use clips, not nails, to hang lights.
Candle & Light Safety Candles and lights create a warm, festive atmosphere, but they need careful attention. Never leave flames unattended, keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, and always extinguish them before leaving a room or going to sleep. Place candles on stable surfaces and keep them away from children and pets.
Fire Prevention Basics Test your smoke alarms monthly, avoid overloading electrical outlets, use surge protectors, and never leave cooking unattended. Keep exits clear and have a fire escape plan ready.
Give the Gift of Preparedness Looking for a meaningful last-minute gift? Consider emergency preparedness items like flashlights, radios, warm clothes, gloves, or boots. These thoughtful gifts show you care about your loved ones’ safety all year long.
New Year, New Safety Habits As we welcome 2026, make preparedness part of your New Year’s resolutions! Commit to testing smoke alarms monthly, creating and practicing an emergency plan, signing up for AlertMarin, or building an emergency kit for your pets.
Wishing you and your family a safe, joyful, and memorable holiday season!