CULLMAN, Ala. – As Christmas quickly approaches, local officials are reminding families to slow down long enough to make sure the season’s decorations, lights and greenery don’t become fire hazards. For first-time families, older adults and anyone juggling packed schedules, simple precautions can make the difference between a peaceful holiday and an emergency.
Cullman Fire Rescue has repeatedly emphasized the importance of awareness during this time of year. In a previous holiday safety interview, then Fire Chief Brian Bradberry, now the public safety director for the City of Cullman since 2024, said, “People get busy, and they get distracted. It only takes one small oversight to create a dangerous situation.”
Tree safety: Keep it fresh and keep it watered
Live Christmas trees remain a seasonal favorite, but they require consistent care. In earlier holiday guidance shared with The Tribune, Cullman Fire Rescue stressed that drying trees become highly flammable. “A dry tree can ignite in seconds,” the department told The Tribune, urging residents to water trees daily and keep them away from heaters or fireplaces.
Artificial trees aren’t risk free either. Officials recommend choosing flame-retardant models and checking for damage before assembling.
Check the lights twice
From porch lights to Christmas tree strands, wiring issues are among the most common causes of winter home fires. Previous Cullman Tribune reporting during the holiday season highlighted the dangers of plugging multiple high wattage decorations into a single outlet. As Cullman Fire Rescue explained, “If you feel heat on a cord, something is wrong. Unplug it immediately.”
Residents should replace any light strands with frayed wires, loose bulbs or cracked sockets. LED lights stay cooler and use less power, which helps reduce risk in older homes or homes with limited circuitry.
Decorations, candles and heat sources
Decorations placed too close to heat sources often create hazards during the holidays. In Tribune safety coverage from recent years, officials pointed to candles as a frequent cause of preventable fires. “Never leave a candle unattended, not even for a minute,” local responders said in past guidance issued through Tribune channels.
Space heaters require equal caution. They should be kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including wrapping paper, curtains or gifts stacked near the tree. Families rushing to prepare for gatherings often forget how quickly paper products ignite.
When the holidays get busy, plan ahead
City officials have long reminded residents that the season’s bustle is itself a hazard. In a past Tribune post, local emergency personnel noted that distracted homeowners are more likely to forget simple steps like turning off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed. “Slowing down long enough to double check things can prevent most holiday emergencies,” they shared.
The advice is especially important for older adults or families with young children who may rely on routine to stay safe. Using timers for lights, clearing walkways to prevent falls and designating one person to handle safety checks all help reduce risks when households are overwhelmed.
Pets and decorations
Tribune pet safety features from previous holiday seasons also warned about pets chewing on wires or knocking over decorations. Veterinarians interviewed by The Tribune advised keeping cords tucked away and using shatterproof ornaments low on the tree to prevent injuries.
Keep the season bright, not hazardous
With gatherings, travel and endless to-do lists, safety can slip through the cracks. But local officials say a few mindful habits make homes safer for every age group.
“Christmas should be joyful, not stressful,” Cullman Fire Rescue reminded residents in a previous Tribune holiday advisory, urging families to treat safety as part of their celebrations.
This coming week is expected to bring a rush of decorating across Cullman County, making it an ideal time for a household walkthrough to ensure trees are hydrated, outlets are not overloaded and decorations are placed with care.
For more holiday safety updates and community alerts, follow the Cullman Tribune on social media or visit cullmantribune.com.
