‘Tis the season for celebration but also for keeping safety top of mind. Between decorating, shopping, travel and gatherings, the holidays can bring extra risks, from fire hazards and online scams to crowded stores and winter travel challenges. This guide offers simple, practical holiday safety tips to protect your home, stay alert and enjoy a safe holiday season.

Home Safety

Keep your home secure this holiday season by following simple tips for smart decorating, preventing fire hazards and protecting your property while you’re away.

Decorate Smartly

• Use flame-resistant ornaments and artificial trees. 
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets with lights. 
• Follow manufacturers’ instructions for connecting light strands. 
• Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords for outdoor displays. 
• Always use a locked stepstool or ladder on a stable, level surface. 
• Ensure trees don’t block exits. 
• Use timers to automatically turn off indoor lights at night and switch on your holiday lights. 
• Inspect lights for frayed wires, cracked sockets or broken bulbs. 
• Use surge protectors and only indoor-rated lights inside your home. 

Be Aware of Fire Hazards

• Never leave space heaters, candles, fireplaces or grills unattended. 
• Keep flammable items at least three feet from heat sources. 
• Water live trees daily to prevent dryness. 
• Place trees away from heat sources and avoid decorating with candles. 
• Switch to flameless LED candles for added safety. 
• Never drape blankets or clothes over space heaters. 

Secure Your Home

• Use timers on indoor and outdoor lights to simulate occupancy. 
• Ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail or packages. 
• Keep all doors and windows locked even when at home. 
• Install motion-sensor lights near entry points. 
• Do not share travel plans or information about expensive gifts on social media. 
• Use delivery lockers or have packages sent to a secure location. 

Holiday Shopping Safety

Scammers and thieves may target shoppers during the holidays—both online and in stores. Following these simple tips can help you shop safely and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.

While out shopping, always park in well-lit, high-traffic areas and lock your car. Try shopping with a friend or family member. Keep your bags close and avoid leaving valuables in view, carrying purses close to your body and wallets in front pockets. Limit the amount of cash you carry, stay aware of your surroundings and put your phone away while walking. Have your keys ready before approaching your vehicle, and if you ever feel unsafe, don’t hesitate to ask store security for an escort. These precautions can make your in-person shopping experience safer and less stressful.

When shopping online during the holidays, only use trusted websites and look for https:// in the web address, which means the site is secure. Avoid entering payment details on public Wi-Fi, since hackers can intercept your information. Watch out for phishing emails, fake charity drives and deals that seem too good to be true. Always verify links, discount codes and the legitimacy of the retailer before making a purchase. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication. Keep your devices updated with the latest software and antivirus protection and regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.

Holiday Travel Safety

Whether you’re heading across town or across the country, planning ahead can make your travel safer and less stressful. 

Winter Driving Tips

• Check tire treads, fluid levels and windshield wipers. 
• Keep an emergency kit with blankets, snacks and a flashlight. 
• Drive slowly and leave extra room on icy or wet roads. 

Plan Ahead

• Leave early to avoid rush hour or unpredictable traffic.
• Check weather forecasts and map alternate routes.

Don’t Drive Impaired

• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or fatigue. 
• Designate a sober driver or arrange for a ride service. 

Secure Packages and Luggage

• Keep gifts and valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk. 
• In airports or rest stops, stay alert and keep belongings close. 

Download this holiday travel checklist before heading out of town to help ensure your trip is smooth and your home stays secure. 

Pet Safety

Pets are part of the family, and the holidays can be just as exciting and hazardous for them. From decorations to festive foods, planning goes a long way toward keeping your furry friends safe and comfortable. 

Decorations and Ornaments

• Keep small or breakable ornaments out of reach to prevent choking or cuts. 
• Avoid tinsel, ribbons and string, which can be dangerous if swallowed. 
• Secure trees to prevent tipping if curious pets jump or climb. 
• Place fragile or sharp decorations higher on the tree. 

Electrical and Lighting Safety

• Use cord covers and block unused outlets to prevent chewing. 
• Tape down wires or route them behind furniture. 
• Unplug lights when not in use to reduce fire risk and temptation. 

Toxic Plants and Seasonal Items

• Many festive plants such as poinsettias, mistletoe and holly are toxic if ingested. 
• Choose artificial plants or trees and keep live plants out of reach from pets. 
• Keep candles, potpourri and essential oils away from pets. 

Food and Treat Hazards

• Keep chocolate, alcohol and rich holiday foods off-limits to pets. 
• Watch out for xylitol, a common sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs. 
• Safely dispose of bones, wrapping and leftover food scraps. 

Comfort and Stress Management

• Provide a quiet, safe room for pets during parties or gatherings.
• Include familiar toys, bedding and water.
• Ask guests not to feed pets from the table or give them treats without permission.

Fire and Emergency Preparedness

The holidays bring extra lights, candles and cooking, which can increase the risk of fires. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before the holidays and replace batteries as needed. Smoke or carbon monoxide alarms that are outdated or nonfunctional should be replaced to ensure they work properly in an emergency. Make sure your home has a working fire extinguisher and know how to use it safely in case of a small fire. Keep local fire, police and medical numbers handy, and create a family communication plan so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Holiday Party Safety

Festive gatherings often involve alcohol and late nights. Hosting responsibly helps everyone celebrate safely.

Responsible Drinking

• Offer non-alcoholic alternatives and encourage moderation. 
• Never drink and drive. Always plan safe transportation home in advance.

Hosting Tips

• Arrange rides for guests ahead of time.
• Monitor all activities, especially around children or alcohol, to prevent accidents. Keep alcohol and other substances out of children’s reach.

Guest Awareness

• Be mindful of guests’ limits and health needs.
• Ensure decorations and activities are safe for all ages.

Stay Safe and Celebrate Smart

During the holiday season, the risk of accidents, theft, online scams, travel mishaps and other safety hazards increases. Busy schedules, crowded stores and constant activity can make it easy to overlook basic precautions but a few extra steps can help protect your home, your family and your peace of mind. 

Holiday gatherings can include a mix of family and friends, but familiarity doesn’t always equal safety. Be mindful of who spends time with your children and limit unsupervised interactions. A little awareness goes a long way toward protecting your child’s well-being.

Likewise, staying alert in your broader community can make a big difference. Participate in neighborhood watch programs and report any suspicious activity promptly to local authorities. By taking proactive measures and looking out for one another, you can help ensure this season remains joyful, safe and full of lasting memories. 

The Florida Sheriffs Association is here to help you stay informed and empowered. Explore more practical public safety tips and connect with your local sheriff’s office to stay engaged in protecting your community. 

About the Florida Sheriffs Association

Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association was established to unite Florida’s sheriffs in advancing public safety, shaping legislation and fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Over the decades, FSA has grown into a powerful advocate for law enforcement, providing training, resources and support to ensure the protection and security of Florida’s communities.  

The Florida Sheriffs Association helps you stay informed on the latest law enforcement initiatives, public safety updates and the work of Florida’s sheriffs. From in-depth blogs to legislative news and community programs, we keep you connected to the issues that matter. Explore more at flsheriffs.org and stay engaged with Florida’s law enforcement community.