Safety First: 13 Ways to Prevent Fires This Holiday Season

11. Candles
Like cooking fires, home candle fires spike during the holidays, especially on Christmas, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable items like curtains and decorations.

12. Portable Heaters
Follow the 3 Feet from the Heatrule. Make sure curtains, furniture, decorations are at least three feet from space heaters. Heating equipment was involved in 20% of home fire deaths in 2012.

13. Plants
Some holiday plants can be toxic—most only cause tummy troubles, but some can be fatal if eaten by small children or pets. PetMD has a handy list of holiday plants to look out for and possible symptoms.