During Christmastime, we tend to focus on our family, friends, good food, and getting into the holiday spirit. Something important to keep in mind, though, is holiday fire safety.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, house fires during the holiday season injure 2,600 people and cause over $930 million in damage.
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that, in a given year, there are 240 Christmas tree fires, resulting in 23 deaths and $11.4 million in direct home fire damage.
Common fire hazards during the holidays include candles, dried out Christmas trees, overloaded electrical outlets, flammable decorations near open flames, unattended cooking, space heaters, and fireplaces.
With these holiday fire safety tips from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can keep your home and family safe this Christmas season.
Make sure your live tree remains hydrated while in your home. Cut about two inches off the trunk and keep the tree stand filled with water.
When you’re setting up the tree, keep it away from fireplaces and radiators. Place the tree out of the way of traffic, and don’t block doorways.
If you choose to use an artificial tree, make sure it’s flame retardant. If it has a built-in light system, make sure it has the UL label.
Don’t overload electrical outlets. Use only three sets of lights or less per extension cord. Check the lights to make sure none of the cords are frayed.
When you’re hanging outdoor lights, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Turn off and unplug electrical decorations before going to sleep or leaving your house.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, candle fires are four times as likely to happen during the winter holidays than other times of the year.
Assign someone in your family to make sure all candles have been extinguished after guests leave the house or before you go to sleep.
Keep anything that’s flammable away from candles.
Keep flammable objects away from heat sources like space heaters.
If you plan on using your fireplace, clean out the chimney beforehand.
Don’t leave the kitchen when you have food cooking on the stovetop. It’s also important to keep anything that can catch fire, such as oven mitts, plastic bags, or towels, away from the stove.
Test your smoke alarms each month. You should have a smoke alarm near your kitchen, near sleeping areas, and on every level of your home.
You should replace the batteries at least once a year.
Develop and practice your plan with the whole family. Plan two exit routes for each room, and practice your plan at night and during the day.
You should have one in the kitchen and near the bedrooms of your home. Choose the largest size you can comfortably handle.
At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand the last thing you want to worry about this holiday season is a fire. That’s why we offer everything you need to keep your home safe this winter. With smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, new Christmas lights and more, your Merry Christmas starts with Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
For more tips like these, check out our Electrical Blog.
