Ah, the holidays—twinkling lights, the smell of fresh pine, cozy gatherings, and of course, the joy of decorating. Whether you’re untangling last year’s string of lights or perfecting your gingerbread house, there’s something magical about this time of year. But let’s not forget one important part of keeping that magic alive: holiday fire safety.

Fire safety might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re hanging ornaments or wrapping presents, but trust me, a little caution goes a long way in ensuring you’ll be roasting marshmallows by the fire and not fighting them with a fire extinguisher. Luckily, the Salina Public Library has you covered with a sleigh-full of resources to help make your holiday season safe, fun, and, most importantly, fire-free.

Deck the Halls… Safely!

Nothing says “holiday spirit” like a beautifully decorated home. Whether your style is minimalist with a single strand of lights or a full-on Winter Wonderland, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your festive decor doesn’t turn into a holiday disaster. Did you know that Christmas at Home: Holiday Decorating, Crafts, Recipes by Hearst Books has over 200 ideas for your holiday decor? They’re also fire-safe if you follow a few simple instructions.

For starters, keep those lovely candles away from anything that might catch fire. This means your tree, curtains, or that cute little elf on a shelf. And when it comes to holiday lights, make sure they’re not frayed and you’re not overloading electrical outlets. After all, a sparking tree isn’t exactly what we mean by “lighting up the room!”

The holiday recipes can be fireproof too! Before you start whipping up your famous holiday feast, remember to stay in the kitchen while cooking. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. So even though it’s tempting to step away while that turkey roasts, it’s always safer to stick around. Be sure to turn off the stove and oven when not in use. That might sound simple, but with all the holiday hustle, it’s easy to forget. Also, don’t forget to keep flammable items away from the stove. This includes dish towels, paper towels, and wooden utensils.

A Fire Plan for the Whole Family

Even with all the right precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s essential to have a fire safety plan in place for the whole family. Here are some tips to consider:

Have an escape plan. Make sure your family knows at least two ways to get out of every room in case of a fire, and practice it regularly—yes, fire drills aren’t just for school!

Test your smoke alarms. Make sure smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home and test them once a month to ensure they’re working. A working smoke alarm can be the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.

Get everyone involved! Charles Ghigna’s Get Out, Stay Out! is a fantastic, engaging book that teaches kids exactly what to do in case of a fire. This one’s a must-read for every family, especially if you’ve got curious little elves at home. Being Safe with Fire by Susan Kesselring is another great choice. It’s fun, colorful, and packed with essential fire safety tips. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the kiddos entertained while secretly teaching them life-saving skills.

If you’re like most adults, fire safety might not be something you think about every day. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too! Whether you’re looking to sharpen your fire safety knowledge or dive into the science of how fires work, When Everything Fails: Surviving Any Disaster: What to Do in a Fire is available on Hoopla. This Video will show you the fundamentals of fire safety, from creating a home escape plan to understanding more complex fire behaviors like flashovers and backdrafts. Consider it your holiday homework!

Want to dive even deeper into the world of holiday fire safety? Come join us for an informative session about Winter Weather Preparedness from Saline County Emergency Management. It will be on November 12th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Prescott Meeting Room. They will cover everything from essential tips for keeping your home safe during the holidays to secure online shopping practices (because who isn’t doing some last-minute shopping these days?) and how to stay safe during unpredictable winter weather. It’s the perfect way to make sure your holidays are merry, bright, and safe for the whole family.

So, while you’re picking up your next read or checking out the latest crafting book, grab one of our fire safety titles and events calendar too—because there’s nothing more festive than a little peace of mind.

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