The holidays are all about warmth and light, but don’t let that warmth and light burn so bright that it becomes dangerous.
Around the holidays, people sometimes overlook overloaded electrical outlets, frayed wires, faulty bulbs in a string of lights, or dry Christmas trees for the sake of holiday cheer. However, all of these things are common causes of fires during the holiday season.
By taking some smart precautions, you can be festive while also preventing fires.
CHOOSE DECORATIONS CAREFULLY
When purchasing holiday decorations, look for options labeled flame-resistant or flame-retardant. Decorations with these distinctions are less likely to catch on fire and spread flames.
For decorations that light up, opt for LED options whenever possible. LED lights run cooler, are more energy efficient, and are less likely to ignite nearby objects.
INSPECT LIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL CORDS
When decorating with lights, make sure you use the right ones for your space. When decorating outside, use only lights and extension cords labeled for outdoor use. Indoor lights aren’t made to withstand weather conditions, making them unsafe to use outside.
Always unplug your decorations during heavy snow or rain and when you’re not home. This helps prevent electrical shorts, damage to your decorations and lights, and fires.
When lights burn out, replace the bulbs and read the manufacturer’s instructions about how many strings of lights can safely be connected.
If you come across frayed wires, don’t just cover them with electrical tape. Replace the cord or decoration altogether to be safe.
USE CANDLES AND FIREPLACES WITH CAUTION
Candles and fireplaces can be an important part of a cozy ambience during the holidays, but they also increase the risk of fire.
When lighting candles, never leave them unattended, even for short periods of time. Keep candles away from flammable materials such as curtains, wrapping paper, greenery, and other decorations. To lessen your risk for fire, consider opting for battery-operated candles instead. Avoiding real candles is an especially good idea if you have small children in your family.
If you have a wood-burning stove or chimney, you’ve probably come across creosote — a highly flammable, tar-like residue created by burning wood. Before using either during the holiday season, have your chimney cleaned and inspected. Use a screen to prevent sparks from spreading and keep flammable items away.
BE SAFE WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE
Whether you’re part of a real Christmas tree or an artificial Christmas tree family, both pose fire risks that can be prevented.
When initially setting up your tree, position it away from heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters to prevent fires. Real trees require regular maintenance to prevent them from drying out, so check the water level of your tree daily and water it as needed. Also, look for other warning signs such as brittle branches and excessive needle drop.
Choose a flame-resistant option when buying an artificial tree. If your tree is old or comes pre-lit, inspect all lights and electrical components for cracked bulbs, exposed wires, or loose connections.
ALWAYS PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY
Fire safety should be practiced year-round, and smoke alarms and fire extinguishers play a crucial role. Smoke alarms are your first line of defense because they can detect smoke before a fire breaks out. Test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button to ensure the alarm goes off. Replace batteries once or twice a year, or as soon as your smoke alarm starts chirping.
Fire extinguishers should be kept on hand, especially near the kitchen, Christmas tree, fireplace, or other potentially hazardous areas.
CALL THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS AT PAUL DAVIS FOR HELP
At Paul Davis of Northeast Indiana, we’re wishing you a merry, bright, and fire-free holiday season. If you do have a fire, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of compassionate Difference Makers is available 24/7 to work with you. Call 260-436-7510 to speak with a fire restoration specialist.
