If you are like me, you love the holidays. Although the holiday season can be a beautiful and wonderful time, it is also the time we see a lot of home fires. We would like to help you and your family this holiday by providing a list of easy to follow holiday fire prevention tips.
Holiday Decorating
There is nothing like a beautiful, decorated home for the holidays. You can still have a wonderfully decorated home but make sure to take a few precautions to make sure the decorations are both safe as well as delightful. Safety is imperative so make sure to read all the tips below.
Choose decorations that are flame retardant or resistant.
Flame Retardant: a material that slows or prevents the propagation of flame
Flame Resistant: a material that limits the spread, intensity, and duration of combustion
Candles
Make sure candles when lit are a safe distance from other decorations and materials.
Lights
Make sure you are using the proper lights in the right places. Do not use indoor only lights outdoors or vice versus, this is asking for trouble.
For more fire preparedness tips see, Tips to Stay Safe During A Fire Emergency
Use clips to hang lights instead of nails or staples. Both have the ability to puncture the electrical wire of lights.
Décor Locations
Please keep decorations from blocking doors and windows. In the event of an emergency, you do not want to have to remove a wreath in order to escape out a window.
Holiday Entertaining
Children and Pets
If you have children or pets over for the holidays, please ensure lit candles are put out of reach or use electric candles. This is one of the Holiday Fire Prevention Tips to make sure you adhere to.
Smokers
Ask smokers to smoke outside. In addition to not having your house smell, it reduces the risk of a fire. Make sure to provide proper disposal outside for smokers to ensure any remaining fire from cigarettes’ and cigars is suppressed.
Additional Holiday Fire Prevention Tips
Chimney Cleaning
If you have a wood burning fireplace you plan on using for the holidays, ensure it is properly cleaned and well maintained. In addition, do not put wrapping paper in a wood burning fireplace.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and know where it is. Make sure that the fire extinguisher is written in by a manufacturer, certified by a nationally recognized testing facility, and equipped with an approved label. Also make sure you keep your extinguisher service up to date with yearly professional inspection.
In addition, do a visual inspection of all fire extinguishers and make sure everyone in the household is aware of their location.
Read: Classes of Fires & Types of Fire Extinguishers
Fire Alarm and Carbon Dioxide Checks
One of the most important Holiday Fire Prevention Tips is Fire Alarm and Carbon Dioxide Checks: Ensure that your home is equipped with working smoke alarms. Make sure that you have the carbon dioxide detectors to protect you in case of a fire or other emergency.
Guests and Small Appliances
If you host overnight guests during the holidays be make sure they are mindful and do not leave small travel appliances plugged in. Often times visitors will use an inexpensive travel hairdryer or curling iron which may be a fire waiting to happen. Please check bathrooms of guests prior to leaving for holiday events to ensure all unneeded appliances are unplugged.
Conclusion for Holiday Fire Prevention Tips
I hope these Easy To Follow Holiday Fire Safety Tips will help you this holiday season, whether you are the host or guest, to keep your home safe. If you have any questions please contact your local fire department or fire protection professional.