The holidays can be a busy, distracting time. Between having family over, buying everyone a present and stringing up lights across the front porch, safety can be the last thing on your mind.

But Chapel Hill Fire Chief Matthew Sullivan and Police Chief Chris Blue said the holiday season is a busy time for them, too. In fact, Sullivan’s department has already had a one household fire this December. He had some simple tips for fire safety this holiday season.

Decorations are a key area, he said. Be sure to have enough extension cords and outlets for all your Christmas and holiday lights. Too much strain on one outlet can cause it to overheat. Add in flammable material, like a dry branch or piece of wrapping paper, and you have a very unsafe situation.

And keep an eye on candles too. Sullivan said you’d be surprised how many times in his career he’s had to respond to a structure fire during the holidays caused by candles.

Fireplaces need special attention. Be sure to check to make sure the chimney’s damper is open when starting a fire to avoid smoke building up inside the house.

“Inspect your chimney once a year,” Sullivan advised. “Make sure it’s checked out and swept by a certified chimney sweep.”

Any plants, like Christmas wreaths or trees, should be kept at a safe distance from a fireplace or similar heat sources.

And food preparation remains the largest cause of house fires during the holiday season, Sullivan said. People get their turkey fryers and other new gadgets out, they are distracted, and that can lead to some trouble.

Speaking of trouble, your local burglars are busy this month, Blue warned. In 2016, 17 larcenies were reported to Chapel Hill Police in December.

Blue said that’s because when residents, especially students, leave town for extended periods over the holidays, homes are left unattended and vulnerable.

A couple of the safety tips Blue recommends might seem basic, like keeping car and house doors locked, but he says the simple things can go a long way.

“Keep valuables out of sight. And that also means that new 50-inch television that you just got,” he said. “Don’t leave it in front of your living room window if you don’t have to.”

And be careful where you leave discarded boxes of holiday gifts. A big box for a flat screen television sitting on a curb is like an advertisement for potential burglars. Couple that with unread newspapers on the driveway and that property becomes vulnerable, Blue said.

So remember to put a hold on newspaper delivery or other regular mail if you’re leaving town for the holidays.

Blue also invited people to sign-up for the Home-Check program, where Chapel Hill police keep an eye on homes while residents are away.

Related Stories
‹
Orange County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Laurie Paolicelli Announces Retirement
Laurie Paolicelli recently announced this year will be her last as executive director for the Orange County Visitors Bureau.
Orange County Animal Control Searching for Fox in Chapel Hill After 2 People Bitten
Two people are receiving treatment after they were bitten by a fox Friday afternoon. Animal Control officers are active in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill: Budget Update, Timeline, Library Funding, and More
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 14, discussing town news and events. She discussed the recent public hearing on the town's proposed budget, which saw many community members speak on library funding and more. She also discussed upcoming events in the community and more.
Victim Identified in Chapel Hill House Fire; Investigation Into Cause Still Ongoing
The Chapel Hill Fire Department said one person died in a house fire on the corner of Redbud Lane and Honeysuckle Road Monday morning.
NCDOT Warns of Traffic Delays as Pedestrian Work Continues on Highway 54
The North Carolina Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists to be aware of potential traffic delays along North Carolina Highway 54. The delays come as the NCDOT works with a contractor to install pedestrian infrastructure at three key intersections along the highway. As was first reported in January, crosswalks with traffic signals will be installed […]
During Bike Month, Chapel Hill Highlights Resources to Expand Bicycle Use and Improve Safety
Alongside the town's Vison Zero efforts through Vision Zero, Chapel Hill Transit offers trip coordination using its bus routes and greenways.
UNC Reports More Than $17 Million in Direct Economic Impact from Savannah Bananas Visit
According to a release from UNC, the recent visit from the Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill generated an estimated $17.1 million.
Al's Burger Shack Hailed as 'Best Cheeseburger in North Carolina'
The website Fast Food Club named Al’s Burger Shack in Chapel Hill as the best cheeseburger in North Carolina in a new list, which sought the best cheeseburger in every state. “The beef is locally sourced, the toppings are creative and seasonally inspired, and every burger is cooked with the kind of attention usually reserved […]
Chapel Hill-Headquartered Insurance Agency Earns Statewide Award, Top 3 Recognition
The local property and casualty insurance agency All About Insurance was recently awarded the Sapphire Agency Award by Auto-Owners Insurance.
No Tax Increases and Increased Spending Featured in Chapel Hill Staff's Proposed FY27 Budget
Following a year with improved revenues and a new town manager at the helm, the Town of Chapel Hill may go into the next fiscal year without a tax increase or significant cuts.
›