‘Tis the season: Tips for keeping your home safe during the holiday season, courtesy of OSU Extension

'Tis the season: Tips for keeping your home safe during the holiday season, courtesy of OSU Extension

Monday, November 17, 2025

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Home fires are most common in the winter months, peaking in December and January, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

As the holiday season approaches - and with it colder weather, extravagantly decorated houses and packed kitchens - Oklahoma State University Extension offers up tips to keep your house standing over the winter months.

It all starts with electricity

Overloaded outlets and loose cords are among the primary causes of this surge in home fires.

To avoid any issues, Dr. Scott Frazier, an associate professor of biosystems and agricultural engineering and OSU Extension specialist for energy management, provides the following advice.

For holiday lights, single extension cords should not exceed 50 feet in length. Also, anything that exceeds the listed amperage could result in the cord becoming hot. Avoid overloading outlets; guidelines call for standard, two-receptacle outlets not to exceed 1,500 watts total.

"Something like a small bedroom heater, that would typically be 1,100 watts," Frazier said. "If you're plugging more into that outlet with two receptacles on it, it better be small."

Frazier also said not to tuck extension cords under carpets and rugs, despite the eyesore they can be. It not only creates a tripping hazard in the house, but if the cord is frayed, it can result in a rug catching on fire.

Be cautious about linking three or more strands of lights together. The more lines linked together, the higher the resistance becomes, which can lead to the cords heating up. If wrapped around a real tree, which dries out over time, there is a risk of fire.

Outdoor lights and extension cords are specifically designed to withstand the weather and winter elements, so be aware of the difference between indoor and outdoor options, Frazier said. Also, pay attention to ensure wiring is not running through puddles of water on the ground.

Fire comes next

As temperatures drop, people will start using heaters and fireplaces for the first time in months. Before doing so, always check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

"It's an easy thing to do," Frazier said. "There's really no excuse not to do it."

At a minimum, detectors and fire extinguishers should be placed on every floor in a house, including basements. Frazier recommends that chimneys and fireplaces be inspected annually due to the potential creosote buildup that can occur.

Examine the pressure gauge and dates on the exterior of fire extinguishers to ensure they are properly functioning.

"If it's 20 years old, even if the gauge shows it is OK, go get a new one," Frazier said.

Keep extinguishers in easily accessible areas, where a fire is unlikely to occur. Spots like a garage, coat closet or at the top of stairs are good. Frazier also recommends stashing one in your car. It may save you or someone else from a fire you come upon.

Holidays lend themselves to cooking larger meals than most are accustomed to. To avoid any fire hazards, Frazier advised preparing as much as possible beforehand and keeping the kitchen organized.

Avoid letting unnecessary occupants into the kitchen, like pets and children, unless they have a specific role. Hold off on consuming any alcoholic beverages until after the cooking is completed.

"It's mostly scalding and fire hazards," Frazier said. "Watch out for pan handles hanging over the edges of stoves and counters."

Every Thanksgiving, videos of people frying turkeys on social media go viral.

"I've seen someone put a frozen turkey in the turkey fryer, and I don't know what the equivalent explosive power would be, but it was spectacular," Frazier said.

When frying a turkey, always do it outside and have a fire extinguisher nearby in case anything goes wrong. A common mistake is overfilling the vat with peanut oil, which will bubble over onto open flames when a turkey is placed in it.

Fire safety blankets are a good option to have around in kitchens and can be thrown onto grease fires to help contain them as a secondary option. They cannot replace a fire extinguisher, though, and you'd need an extinguisher in the event of a grease fire.

Other guidelines to follow for safety

• Older decorations use incandescent lights that can have cracked or dry insulation. Pull out the wiring and inspect it, inch by inch. "If it looks suspicious, throw it away," Frazier said.
• Holiday candles should be placed on stable, heat-resistant surfaces, away from pets and children. Never leave it unattended and keep away from decorations that could easily catch on fire. Flameless candles are a great alternative.
• Be aware of what table scraps are poisonous to pets. Mistletoe, holly berries and Jerusalem cherries can be poisonous to children and pets. Even grapes can be a problem for dogs.
• Avoid using furniture as a ladder. Make sure anything you stand on has at least three points of contact with the ground.