Fire safety tips for the holidays.
While the festive season is one of our favorite times of the year, it’s also a season when residential fires are most frequent. Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are two holidays where home fires are common, in addition to causing more damage than usual. When the source of the fire is a highly flammable Christmas tree, the toll on property and lives is even greater. The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times for household fires, so take note of these tips to reduce your risk.
Cooking
- Never leave the stove or oven unattended when in use.
- Keep kids and pets out of the kitchen when you are cooking.
- Make sure flammable materials like towels are away from the cooker.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
Candles
- Maintain about a foot of space between the candle and anything that can burn.
- Set candles on sturdy bases and out of reach of children and pets.
- Blow out candles before going to bed or leaving the house.
- For an atmosphere without worry, consider flameless LED candles.
Christmas Trees
- Opt for an artificial tree with a high fire rating.
- If you choose a real tree, go for a fresh one and water it regularly.
- Place it away from heat sources such as a fireplace or radiator, and out of traffic patterns.
- If you’re using natural greenery to decorate, keep it at least three feet away from heating sources.
Holiday Lights
- Inspect lights before you string them up. There should be no frayed or damaged wires.
- Don’t run more than three strings of lights end to end.
- Avoid using nails or staples when hanging lights outside.
- Always turn the lights off before going to bed or leaving the house.
These tips will help you to keep fire at bay this holiday season. Skip the search of finding the right homeowners insurance policy in Elmira, New York, contact Perry & Carroll to get started on your tailored coverage today.