Holiday Fire Safety Tips

Nov 25

The holidays are a time for celebration and joy, but it's important to remember that they can also be a time of increased fire risk. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an average of 260 home fires per day in the United States, and an average of 12 deaths and 1,100 injuries from these fires.

Here are some tips to help you keep your home and family safe during the holidays:

Christmas Tree Fire Safety:

Choose a fresh, live tree that is green and has needles that are not brittle.
Cut off two inches from the bottom of the trunk before placing the tree in a stand.
Water the tree daily to keep it from drying out.
Place the tree away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, and vents.
Do not use real candles to decorate your tree.
Turn off your Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
Use fire-resistant decorations and tinsel.

Holiday Lights Fire Safety:

Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up.
Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
Use a power strip instead of plugging multiple light strands into one outlet.
Turn off your holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.

Cooking Fire Safety:

Never leave cooking unattended.
Keep flammable materials away from the stovetop.
Clean up grease spills immediately.
Turn off the oven when you are done cooking.
Do not use the stovetop or oven to warm your home.

Candle Fire Safety:

Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
Keep candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, bedding, and paper.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Use battery-operated flameless candles instead of real candles.

Fireplace Fire Safety:

Use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping the fireplace.
Only burn dry, seasoned wood in your fireplace.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Let the fire completely cool before going to bed.
Have a working fire extinguisher on hand in case of a fire.

Additional Tips:

If you get new gifts that have to be charged make sure you are present while they are charging for the first time.
Always charge lithium batteries when you are present and awake.
Make sure your smoke alarms are working.
Keep a fire extinguisher where it is easily accessible.
Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.
Teach your children about fire safety.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent a fire in your home and keep your family safe during the holidays.

Lisa Hoffman