The holiday season is a magical time—but behind every twinkling light display and flickering candle lies a potential fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), holiday decorations (excluding Christmas trees) cause hundreds of home fires annually, resulting in millions of dollars in property damage.
As you begin transforming your home into a festive wonderland, remember that safety and coverage go hand-in-hand. Here is your guide to common holiday decoration hazards and how your Homeowners or Renters Insurance steps in if the unexpected happens.
🔥 Top Fire Hazards in Your Holiday Display
The biggest risks during the holiday season are often the most beautiful: lights, candles, and, of course, the Christmas tree.
- The Christmas Tree (Real vs. Artificial)
A dry Christmas tree can ignite and become engulfed in flames in less than a minute. This is the single most dangerous decoration hazard during the holidays.
- Real Tree Safety:
- Keep it Hydrated: Check the water level daily. Once the tree dries out, the fire risk increases dramatically.
- Location, Location, Location: Place your tree at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
- Disposal: Never leave a dry tree inside or near your home after the holidays. Many local municipalities offer special pickup or drop-off days in January.
- Artificial Tree Safety:
- Check the Label: Ensure your tree is clearly marked as “fire-resistant” or “flame retardant.” While this doesn’t mean it won’t burn, it will resist ignition more than an untreated one.
- Pre-Lit Trees: Always inspect the wiring for frayed cords, loose connections, or cracked sockets before plugging in.
- Holiday Lights and Electrical Overload
Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are major causes of holiday fires.
- Inspect and Discard: Before hanging, check all light strands for cracked sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections. Throw away any damaged sets.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Use only lights specifically approved for the location. Outdoor lights have stronger insulation to withstand the elements.
- Limit Connections: Never connect more than three standard-sized strands of lights together and avoid overloading electrical outlets. Use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rate extension cord if needed, and make sure it is not pinched under furniture or rugs.
- Unplug Before You Sleep: Always turn off or unplug all holiday lights (both indoor and outdoor) before going to bed or leaving the house. Consider using a timer for convenience and safety.
- The Danger of Candles
Candle fires spike in December, and they are one of the most common causes of decoration-related fires.
- Practice the “Three-Foot Rule”: Keep lit candles at least 12 inches (or three feet) away from anything that can burn, including curtains, decorations, gift wrap, and especially the Christmas tree.
- Never Leave Unattended: Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.
- Consider Alternatives: Battery-operated LED candles are a beautiful, fire-safe alternative that offer the same warm glow without risk.
🛡️ What Your Insurance Policy Covers
The good news is that a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy is designed to protect you from sudden and accidental damage, and fire is one of the primary covered perils.
If a holiday decoration hazard leads to a fire, here is how your policy typically responds:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Key Consideration |
| Dwelling Coverage | Pays to repair or rebuild the physical structure of your home (walls, roof, built-in fixtures) that is damaged by the fire. | This is the limit you set to rebuild your home. Ensure it reflects current construction costs. |
| Personal Property | Pays to repair or replace your belongings damaged in the fire, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and even your holiday decorations. | Most policies cover this on an Actual Cash Value (ACV) basis, which accounts for depreciation. Consider Replacement Cost Coverage (RCV) for full value. |
| Loss of Use (Additional Living Expenses) | Covers necessary expenses (hotel stays, meals, temporary rent) if a fire makes your home uninhabitable during repairs. | This provides financial relief so you can maintain your usual standard of living while your home is fixed. |
| Liability Coverage | If the fire spreads to a neighbor’s property or a guest is injured, your liability coverage can help cover their medical costs and/or legal fees if you are found responsible. | This is critical for protecting your personal assets from potential lawsuits. |
A Note on Deductibles: Insurance coverage is subject to your policy’s deductible. If the damage is minor and falls below your deductible, filing a claim may not be worth it. However, in the case of fire, damage is often significant enough to warrant a claim.
✅ Your Holiday Safety and Coverage Checklist
Don’t let a safety oversight ruin your holiday season. Use this checklist as you decorate:
- Check Smoke Alarms: Test and replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Unplug Lights: Unplug all indoor and outdoor lights before bed or leaving home.
- Water the Tree: Check the reservoir of your live tree daily.
- Go Flameless: Use battery-operated candles instead of open flames.
- Review Your Policy: Call your agent to confirm your Dwelling and Personal Property limits are up-to-date and adequate for your assets.
The holiday season is a time for making warm, lasting memories, not dealing with cold, costly insurance claims. As you deck the halls, remember that simple acts—like watering your tree, using flame-resistant decorations, and always unplugging your lights before bed—are the best form of insurance you can buy. While your Homeowners or Renters policy is there to provide a robust safety net with Dwelling, Personal Property, and Loss of Use coverage if the unthinkable happens, prevention remains the most effective strategy. Take a few minutes now to complete your safety checklist and confirm your coverage limits. By being proactive and prepared, you ensure the only spark in your home this year is the one of festive joy.