The holidays are a time to gather and celebrate. However, they can also be a time when residential fires increase. This happens for many reasons, including increased heating during the cold season, electrical fires that start from holiday decorations, and cooking fires. If you are hosting a holiday celebration at your home, it is important that you take steps to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe from holiday fires. Below are a few things you should make sure that you have on hand before the holiday season starts in order to reduce your risk of a residential fire. 

An Up-to-Date Fire Alarm System 

If you have an older smoke detector, you should make sure it still works by testing it. However, you also may want to consider investing in a more thorough fire alarm system, such as an externally monitored system that can decrease the emergency response time to your home in case of a fire. This can be critical during the holiday season when emergency services are likely to be in higher demand and spread thin throughout your town. 

An Accessible Fire Extinguisher

You should have a small fire extinguisher near any places that are prone to fires. This includes your kitchen and fireplace. You may also want a fire extinguisher near your holiday tree if you have a live tree. You should check to make sure your extinguisher is not expired and still contains adequate pressure. You may also want to take a class with your local fire department to learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. 

A Watering Can For Your Christmas Tree

Christmas trees can catch fire quickly if they dry out while they are on display. You should water your tree at least once a day or more often if it appears to be dry and brittle. To remind yourself to water your tree, you may want to keep a watering can near your tree. Alternatively, you can make a tree-watering schedule and tape it to a wall near your tree or create a daily reminder on your smartphone. 

New Indoor Holiday Lights

You should always inspect your holiday lights before you put them up. You should check for worn or frayed areas on the cord as well as areas that heat up when the lights are plugged in. If your lights have any punctures or worn out areas, you should throw that strand away and purchase new lights. This will help prevent electrical fires. You should also be careful to not overload a single electrical outlet in your home and always remember to turn off your holiday lights before you go to bed at night. 

A Fire Escape Plan  

Every home should have a fire escape plan with at least two escape routes from every room in the home. Before you begin the holiday season, you should go over your fire escape routes with everyone who lives in your home. You may want to laminate a copy of the escape routes and post them by your front door to remind people of the various exits they should use and let guests who may be staying with you over the holidays know about your fire escape plan. 

Preparing for potential holiday fires may not be the funnest part of the holidays, but it can help to keep you and your loved ones safe in case you experience a residential fire during the holiday season. Making sure you have these five items on hand and that you know how to use them will allow you to fully enjoy the holidays.