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The holiday can bring additional fire risks as decorations, candles, and cooking can create hazards in your home. It's important to stay alert and take precautions to ensure your family has a wonderful Christmas together.
Keep your family safe by following key fire safety tips during the holidays, such as checking smoke alarms and being extra careful with heat sources. Fire safety doesn't have to be complicated and with some basic knowledge and planning, you can protect your loved ones and property. Let's look at the top ways to prevent fires and stay safe this holiday season.
Evaluating Home Fire Risks During the Holidays
The holiday season brings unique fire hazards to homes so be aware of common dangers and take steps to protect your family and property.
Common Causes of Home Fires
- Christmas trees can catch fire quickly if not properly cared for so water live trees daily and keep them away from heat sources. Also, be sure to check all lights for frayed wires before use.
- Candles pose a big risk and you should never leave them burning unattended and keep them away from decorations and curtains.
- Cooking fires spike during holidays and it’s important to stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling, keeping flammable items away from the stove.
- Electrical issues can also start fires so don't overload outlets or extension cords, and replace damaged cords.
- Space heaters need extra caution and should be kept 3 feet from anything that can burn. Remember to turn them off when leaving a room or going to sleep.
Importance of Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors save lives and need to be installed on every level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms. Test detectors monthly by pressing the test button, change batteries twice a year and replace smoke detectors every 10 years. Interconnected detectors offer the best protection as when one sounds, they all sound.
Safe Decoration Practices
Holiday decorations add cheer but can pose fire risks so follow these key tips to keep your home festive and safe during the season.
Choosing the Right Holiday Lights
Pick lights with a safety certification label from a trusted testing lab and always check for frayed wires, loose connections, or broken sockets before plugging them in. Don't overload electrical outlets or connect too many devices.
Use indoor lights inside and outdoor lights outside and consider LED lights which are cooler and use less energy than traditional bulbs. Turn off all lights when you leave home or go to bed. Secure lights to avoid falls or damage, using clips instead of nails or tacks. Keep indoor lights away from flammable materials like curtains.
Additionally, have a licensed electrician check your home's wiring if it's more than 25 years old as outdated systems may not handle modern power needs safely.
Proper Use of Candles and Alternatives
Place lit candles away from decorations, curtains, and other items that can catch fire, and use sturdy holders on stable surfaces. Keep candles, matches, and lighters out of reach of kids and pets and never leave burning candles unattended. Blow them out before going to sleep or leaving a room.
Consider flameless candles as a safer option. They look real but don't have an open flame, and many come with timers for added convenience and safety.
Christmas Tree Safety
Choose a fresh tree with green needles that don't fall off when touched, and cut 2 inches from the base before putting it in the stand. Water your tree daily to keep it from drying out.
Place your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or space heaters, and ensure it doesn't block exits.
Use lights made for indoor use on your tree, replacing any string of lights with worn or broken cords. Always turn off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
Remove your tree soon after the holidays or when it becomes dry as dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage.
Cooking and Heating Precautions
The holidays bring extra cooking and heating needs so always follow proper safety steps in the kitchen.
Keep your kitchen safe while preparing holiday meals by never leaving cooking food unattended. Set timers to remind you to check on dishes and keep flammable items like oven mitts and towels away from the stove. Use back burners when possible and turn pot handles inward to prevent spills. Try to keep kids and pets out of the kitchen while cooking to avoid accidents.
Clean your oven and stovetop regularly as grease buildup can catch fire. If a small fire starts, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid. Don't use water on grease fires - it can make them worse.
Ensure your smoke alarms work and have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, ensuring you know how to use it.
Get in touch with us today If you are concerned about the condition of your home’s electrics or if you would like your smoke alarms inspected.
