Avoid Starting Accidental Fires This Christmas!
Christmas and Christmas Eve are statically among the leading days for house fires. There are more than double the number of fires on Christmas day than on any other day of the year. Along with this, sadly the fatalities on this day are 70% higher than average. Everyone should take the following necessary precautions to avoid such a disaster.
Fires surrounding the holidays occur for a variety of reasons. Below are the leading causes of Christmas fires along with the steps to ensure the safety of your home and loved ones.
Candles:
Among other heat sources, candles have been known to cause fires surrounding the Holidays. Statistics show that candles start an average of 15,600 residential fires each year. The peak of these catastrophes lies in December and January. Leaving a candle unattended can cause devastating damage and the threat of possible death. Although this may seem obvious to the average person, you should never go to sleep with candles burning. Falling asleep while a candle is burning is not typically the plan. It is especially important to place candles away from flammable items. Greenery, Christmas trees, and holiday decorations can pose a great risk when placed in proximity to an open flame – like a candle. The safest place to burn a candle is on the stovetop.
Cooking:
Another huge risk factor contributing to the number of Christmas fires is holiday cooking. Statistics show that cooking is already the leading cause of all home fires. At the holiday, we have additional distractions. Unattended stoves are the primary reason for cooking disasters during the holidays. It is easy to become distracted when hosting a holiday meal or party. However, it is important to never leave appliances unattended while in use. Additionally, ensure that your stove burners and oven are off once you are done cooking.
Electrical Malfunctions:
Electrical problems are another leading cause of Christmas fires. A valuable tip surrounding electrical malfunctions is to check for frayed wires and broken bulbs. It should also be known that connecting multiple extension cords, or more than three light strands together, poses a great risk for a homeowner.
Christmas Trees:
Real Christmas trees are a common holiday tradition with their distinctive evergreen scent. However, without the proper precautions, these beloved holiday traditions can become deadly. It is imperative to ensure that your Christmas tree is properly watered every day. A dry Christmas tree poses a huge risk and can become engulfed in flames in just a few seconds. Choose a fresh tree and water it DAILY!
It is important to check for broken bulbs or other electrical issues while decorating your tree. Frayed or cracked cords should be replaced. It is not uncommon for cords to become damaged while in storage. Therefore, you should check the string carefully before putting it on the tree. Additionally, it is never safe to leave Christmas tree lights on overnight or when you are not at home.
Use Intended Location for Lights:
When purchasing your holiday lights, pay attention to their intended location and purpose. Indoor lights should never be used outdoors for a variety of reasons. These lights are not sealed against moisture and are not corrosion-resistant. Using indoor lights as outside decorations can become a fire hazard if the electrical connections deteriorate and become exposed. However, it is acceptable to use outdoor lights inside.
Bonfires:
It is tempting to burn Christmas remnants along with your real Christmas tree, but it is important to note the dangers involved with it. Creating large burn piles of gift boxes, wrapping paper, and other debris can turn into an unexpected disaster if not executed responsibly. These fires should be contained and kept at a proper distance from your home, other buildings, or wooded areas. It is wise to have a readily available water source in the chance that the fire spreads beyond the intended area.
Fireworks:
Fireworks are another fun tradition associated with many holidays. It is important to understand the risks involved and take the proper precautions when using them. Fireworks should not be used on surfaces that are flammable like dry grass.
Smoke Alarms:
Checking the effectiveness of your home’s smoke alarms could potentially save you and your home from a big disaster this holiday season. Your device should be replaced if there is no sound or if the sound is weak when tested.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know suffers from a fire this holiday, OneRestore can help! Our experts can provide you with a free estimate and take care of all your restoration needs from beginning to end. There is no need to stress over dealing with multiple contractors. OneRestore is a One-Stop-Shop, dedicated to providing our customers with exceptional communications and service. With no upfront cost, our experienced professionals can restore your property to its previous condition in no time!
Contact One-Restore for a free consultation today! Our fire restoration team is ready to help.
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