The end-of-year holidays bring light, warmth, and gathering with the people we care about most. But they also bring a sharp increase in preventable home fires—often caused by the same joyful traditions we look forward to every December. At MySafe:LA, our mission is to help families throughout Los Angeles County build safer homes and communities. That work continues year-round, and the holiday season is no exception.
Every winter, firefighters across the region respond to emergencies caused by dried-out Christmas trees, unattended candles, overheated space heaters, cooking mishaps, and smoking-related fires that begin when someone falls asleep. These incidents often happen suddenly, and many occur in homes that would otherwise never experience a fire during the year.
Our team created a simple, shareable resource to help you and your family stay safe this season: “17 Ways to Have a Safer Holiday Season,” available for download below. The flyer outlines practical steps that can dramatically reduce the chances of a holiday tragedy—steps like using heavy-duty extension cords for outdoor lighting, watering your Christmas tree daily, keeping flammables away from space heaters, and using timers or turning off holiday lights before bed.
Cooking also becomes a major source of danger during the holidays. With more people in the kitchen and more distractions throughout the home, simple mistakes can lead to serious fires. Using separate cutting boards, ensuring meats are fully cooked, and keeping a close eye on anything heating on the stove can help prevent emergency room visits and avoidable fire department responses.
We must also remember that not all hazards involve flames. From unsafe toys to holiday food allergens, the season is full of hidden risks that can be mitigated through awareness and preparation. Our flyer offers guidance on checking product recalls, selecting safe gifts for children, and handling food responsibly to avoid illness or allergic reactions.
Creating Safer Homes—Together
MySafe:LA is proud to work alongside the Los Angeles City Fire Department, elected officials, community partners, and residents to make this season—and every season—safer for all Angelenos. Our holiday safety campaign is part of our broader effort to reduce preventable injuries and fatalities, especially among the most vulnerable households in our region.
As you decorate, cook, travel, and celebrate, we encourage you to take a few simple steps that protect your home and everyone in it. Safety isn’t difficult—but it does require attention. This season, let’s stay mindful, stay prepared, and help keep each other safe.
