The holiday season in the Philippines is one of the most colorful, heartwarming, and festive times of the year. With Christmas lights shining through windows, parols lighting up the streets, and decorations filling every home, December truly becomes a month of celebration. But along with the joy comes an increased risk of house fires — most of them caused by faulty electrical setups and unsafe holiday decorations.

 

Whether you live in a rental home, condominium, apartment, or family house, it’s important to be aware of the risks that holiday décor can bring. From overloaded outlets to overheating Christmas lights, a small mistake can turn into a disaster. And because many homeowners and tenants become busy with celebrations, these hazards are often overlooked.

 

This guide provides practical and easy-to-follow Holiday Fire Safety Tips to help keep your home and loved ones safe this season.

 

Why Holiday Fires Happen More Often

 

In the Philippines, house fires typically increase during December and January. This is because:

 

1. More Electrical Decorations Are in Use

 

Lights, lanterns, extension cords, and various plug-in décor are all used simultaneously. When multiple appliances draw power from a single outlet, the wiring can overheat.

 

2. Substandard Decorations Flood the Market

 

Cheap, uncertified Christmas lights and decorative items often fail to meet safety standards. Many of these products easily spark or overheat.

 

3. Homes Get Cluttered

 

With more gifts, décor, and household items around, fire can spread faster.

 

4. People Often Forget to Unplug Devices

 

A lot of fires happen at night or when no one is home because lights and décor are left running for hours.

 

5. Cooking and Gatherings Increase Activity

 

During parties, the kitchen becomes busier, and electrical appliances work nonstop — making fire risks higher.

 

Understanding these risks is the first step toward preventing them.

 

Part I: Electrical Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

1. Inspect All Lights and Decorations Before Use

 

Before decorating, check for:

 

Exposed wires

 

Cracked bulbs

 

Loose connections

 

Burn marks

 

Flickering lights

 

Even a small tear in wiring can cause overheating or sparks. When in doubt, replace the item immediately.

 

Tip: Choose lights certified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), ICC, or PS markings for guaranteed safety.

 

2. Avoid Overloading Extension Cords

 

Extension cords are meant for temporary use, not as permanent power sources. Connecting multiple appliances — such as lights, rice cookers, speakers, and chargers — into one extension can cause overheating.

 

What you can do:

 

Use heavy-duty extension cords

 

Avoid plugging high-wattage appliances into one strip

 

Check cords regularly for warm spots

 

If you live in a rental home, your landlord is also responsible for maintaining safe electrical outlets. RentPH reminds renters to always coordinate concerns with their rental manager to ensure home safety.

 

3. Use LED Lights Instead of Incandescent Bulbs

 

LED lights are:

 

Energy-efficient

 

Cooler to the touch

 

Less likely to overheat

 

They’re also ideal for homes with children or pets.

 

4. Keep Electrical Décor Away From Curtains and Flammable Items

 

Many Filipinos decorate windows with parols and curtain lights. But fabric curtains, wooden furniture, paper lanterns, and Christmas trees easily catch fire.

 

Maintain at least three feet of distance between heat sources and flammable objects.

 

5. Unplug Everything Before Sleeping or Leaving Home

 

This is one of the simplest but most effective fire prevention habits.

 

Before going to bed or leaving the house:

 

Switch off Christmas lights

 

Unplug extension cords

 

Turn off appliances

 

If your home has a smart plug or timer, use it to automatically shut off décor at night.

 

6. Protect Outdoor Decorations From Rain

 

Outdoor lights should be:

 

Labeled for outdoor use

 

Properly insulated

 

Elevated away from puddles

 

Securely fastened to prevent wire damage from wind

 

Water exposure is one of the biggest causes of short circuits.

 

Part II: Decoration Safety Tips to Prevent Fire Accidents

1. Choose a Safe Christmas Tree

 

Artificial trees are popular, but not all materials are fire-resistant. Look for:

 

“Fire-retardant” labels

 

PVC materials

 

Non-flammable coatings

 

If you’re using a real pine tree (common abroad but sometimes used locally), keep it well-watered. Dry pine needles ignite easily.

 

2. Avoid Candles or Open Flames Near Decorations

 

Scented candles are widely used during the holidays but can quickly cause a fire if placed near:

 

Curtains

 

Drapes

 

Trees

 

Table décor

 

Plastic ornaments

 

Use battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.

 

3. Keep Pathways Free From Clutter

 

Holiday gifts and decorations often fill living spaces, but clutter increases fire spread.

 

Keep pathways clear so you can quickly evacuate if needed.

 

4. Check Decorations Every Few Days

 

Wires wear out. Bulbs loosen. Decorations shift.

 

Do a quick inspection every few days, especially if you have:

 

Kids

 

Pets

 

Guests frequently

 

Outdoor displays exposed to the weather

 

5. Be Careful With DIY Decorations

 

DIY décor is fun and budget-friendly, but avoid using:

 

Cotton

 

Paper

 

Fabric scrap near lights

 

Aluminum foil near outlets

 

Choose non-flammable materials whenever possible.

 

Part III: General Household Fire Safety Reminders

 

Aside from decorative and electrical hazards, make sure your home follows these safety practices:

 

1. Keep a Fire Extinguisher at Home

 

Place it near:

 

The kitchen

 

The Christmas tree

 

Main electrical outlets

 

Make sure you know how to use it. Check the expiry date regularly.

 

2. Install Smoke Detectors (If Allowed in Your Rental)

 

Many condo and rental units already have smoke alarms installed. If your lease allows, add portable detectors for added safety.

 

3. Teach Household Members About Fire Safety

 

Everyone should know:

 

How to unplug appliances

 

Where the exits are

 

How to use an extinguisher

 

Whom to call during emergencies

 

4. Plan an Evacuation Route

 

Make sure every member of the household knows the quickest and safest way out.

 

For condo renters, know the fire exits on your floor and avoid using elevators during a fire.

 

Part IV: Fire Safety Tips for Renters & Landlords

 

If you’re renting a home or managing a rental property, the holidays are the perfect time to review safety standards.

 

Renters:

 

Report faulty outlets and flickering lights to your landlord immediately.

 

Avoid doing electrical repairs on your own.

 

Ask permission before installing additional lights outdoors.

 

Landlords & Property Managers:

 

Inspect electrical systems regularly.

 

Provide safe outlets and smoke alarms.

 

Remind tenants of holiday safety guidelines.

 

RentPH encourages both renters and landlords to maintain a safe and harmonious rental environment, especially during peak holiday seasons.

 

Part V: What To Do in Case of a Fire

 

If a fire starts:

 

Stay calm.

 

Cut the power source if safe.

 

Use a fire extinguisher for small, manageable flames.

 

If the fire spreads, evacuate immediately.

 

Call the nearest fire department (BFP Hotline: 160).

 

Never attempt to fight a large fire on your own.

The holidays should be a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness — not tragedy. With the right precautions and mindful decorating habits, you can keep your home safe from electrical and decoration-related fires.

 

By following these safety reminders, you protect not only your property but the people who matter most. And whether you are a renter, landlord, homeowner, or property manager, safety is always a shared responsibility.

 

From RentPH to your family — may your season be bright, festive, and fire-safe.