The holidays are usually a time for loved ones to get together. Although this year might look a little different, there is no shortage of holiday decorations, meaning there is also a greater risk for fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas is a leading month for home fires in the U.S. This is why it’s so important to know some basic fire safety tips to prevent emergencies. Make sure your holiday season is free of mishaps or disasters by following this simple and essential advice.
Fire Safety Tips and Information
Christmas Trees and Lights
It’s important to note that while Christmas tree fires are not as common as those that are started by decorations, they can be much more serious. About 160 home fires started because of a Christmas tree, according to a NFPA from 2019. Decorative Christmas lights and electrical distributions were were responsible for more than 44% of these tree fires.
Here are some things you can do to prevent Christmas tree fires:
- Make sure to check and replace any string of lights that have been worn down.
- Replace broken cords or bulb with loose connections.
- Read the instructions for the amount of light strands to connect.
- Do not use nails to hang lights. Used clips instead to prevent the cords from getting damaged.
- Turn off all lights before leaving your home or going to sleep.
Holiday Decoration Fire Safety Tips and Facts
From 2014-2018, fire departments in the U.S. responded to an average of 770 home fires per year that began with holiday decorations. These fires caused an average of $11 million in property damage. There are some basic fire safety tips you can follow to prevent decoration fires.
- Keep decorations away from direct heat, and remove them if they are too close to light sources.
- Choose decorations that are flame resistant.
- Keep decorations out of the reach of children and pets
- Turn off all decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.
Candle Fire Facts and Prevention
Candle fires peaked in December of every year from 2014-2018, and the risk of a Christmas day candle fire rises by almost three times the daily average. The fact is that more than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles.
Here are some helpful tips for preventing candle fires:
- Keep children and pets away from any lit candles
- Keep lighters or matches in a high cabinet that’s locked.
- Blow out all candles when you leave a room, leave the house or go to bed.
- Keep any lit candles away from decorations and other flammable items.
Holiday Cooking
Cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S. every year. On Christmas Eve there is an average 58% more daily fires, but Christmas day holds the record (second only to Thanksgiving), with 69 percent more than the daily average. Here’s what you can do to prevent cooking fires.
- Test your smoke alarms.
- Tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep decorations and other flammable materials or items away from the cooktop and stove.
- Unplug electric appliances that are not being used.
- Never leave food that’s cooking unattended.
- Don’t overfill pots and pans with grease or oil.
All of these fire safety tips can help you have a safe and harmonious holiday season. If you are in need of fire damage repair and restoration, the experts at Hilex Construction can help. Give us a call today at 1-800-980-1665.