How-to Stay Safe During the Holidays

Festive celebrations, flickering lights, and winter greens are hallmarks of the holiday season, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one. Here are the 4 hazards that can cause a trip to the emergency room.

 

Holiday Lights and Candles

Every year, more than 50,000 home fires are started by electrical problems, according to the NFPA. So, when it comes to hanging lights, follow the directions on the box closely. Follow the obvious:

• ·      Only use outdoor lights.
• ·      Always inspect lights before you hang and plug them in. Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs and sockets, and loose connections.

Also, be sure to keep a watchful eye on candles; keep them away from the tree, decorations, and other things that can burn. The U.S. Fire Administration states that candles cause more than 10 deaths, 175 injuries, and $20 million in property damage each holiday season.

The Fireplace

Fireplaces can lead to hazardous fires. Follow the list below to prevent fireplace fires:

• ·      Be sure your home has working smoke alarms on every level.
• ·      Dispose of ashes with great care to assure that an unexpected fire will not start due to hot ashes.
• ·      Only burn seasoned firewood, meaning wood that is low in moisture.
• ·      Screen the fireplace to prevent embers from popping out onto the floor or carpet.
• ·      Never use flammable liquids to start a fire in the fireplace.
• ·      Do not throw wrapping paper into the fireplace.
• ·      When cleaning out the fireplace, put embers in a metal container and set them outside to cool for 24 hours before disposal.
• ·      Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean the fireplace and chimney annually. Maintenance is crucial to prevent creosote buildups and potential fires. 

Christmas Trees

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 240 home fires begin with Christmas trees every year. These fires result in deaths, injuries, and roughly $17 million in property damage. When choosing a real tree, opt for one that is green. If you are going with an artificial tree, be sure to choose one that is fire-resistant (look for a label). Remember that trees with built-in electrical systems should also have the label of an independent test laboratory that is approved to perform safety testing. The safest tree is a flame-resistant artificial one; follow this advice if you want to bring a fresh one home.

Savage Restoration is always willing to help you and help your insured’s get their properties back to a pre-loss condition. Whether it be WATER, FIRE, MOLD or BIOHAZARD property damage we are “There When You Need Us”