Posted in blog,Safety Tips on December 20, 2021
The winter holidays are a wonderful time for family get-togethers and celebrations. Unfortunately, this is also the time when fire departments nationwide see a significant increase in preventable home fires.
From holiday candles to Christmas trees, dangling garlands and fireplaces, seasonal decor can often be hazardous if not properly put up with care. By taking these simple precautionary steps, everyone can enjoy the lights and festivities while remaining safe:
- Test your smoke alarms and make sure the batteries are replaced
- Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant
- Place Christmas trees at least 3 feet from fireplaces, furnaces, or other heat sources
- Water live Christmas trees on a regular basis
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other items that can burn
- Use the correct lights – indoor vs. outdoor use
- Replace any string lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections
- Do not use nails to hang lights – they can damage the cords
- Blow out lit candles when leaving the room or going to bed
- Turn off all string lights before leaving home or going to bed
- Do not burn Christmas tree branches or wrapping paper in fireplaces
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking on the stovetop
