Holiday Safety 101: Tips to Prevent Fires from Decorations and Cooking
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Party time equals holiday time. We trim the tree, light the candles, and prepare grand meals. In all the commotion, though, fire safety is an afterthought. Fires actually do rise during the holidays — for the most part, because of decorations, lighting, candles, and cooking.
If you are planning on having a holiday, consider taking a few easy steps beforehand to ensure your home and family are safe. Below are some simple ideas to use to have a safe and happy holiday season.
1. Check Your Holiday Lights
Holiday lights are wonderful to hang, but hell on earth if they are old or being misused. Inspect the light bulbs and wiring before you even plug them in. If you see frays or cracks, it’s safer to replace them than to take the risk.
Try using the use of LED lights — they don’t generate heat and use less power. Use the indoor light indoors and the outdoor light outdoors. That is probably obvious, but there are a few individuals who can’t tell the difference. Also, don’t stuff several lights into one. That will overcharge it and blow it out.
Turn off all the lights at night. If you’re apt to forget, put them on a timer instead. That way, you’re not relying on memory — and you’ll use less energy, too.
2. Keep Decorations Away from Heat Everywhere
Decorations add holiday cheer to your house, but they’re highly flammable. Paper, plastic, and fabric decorations burn quickly if they are near candles, space heaters, or fireplaces.
Try to position decorations away from any heat source. Don’t hang garlands over heaters, and don’t leave paper crafts near open flames. When buying new decorations, see if some are marked “flame-resistant.” They’re a little less risky to keep around.
Don’t put decorations in lamps or over bulbs, either. Those areas get hot fast, and it doesn’t take long for something to catch fire
3. Candle Safety First
Soot covered kitchen appliances in a home gutted by fire
Candles make for a cozy holiday ambiance, but they’re second only to the holiday fire list’s number one. If you burn candles, place candles at least one foot away from anything that will catch fire — curtains, paper ornaments, even your Christmas tree.
Use stable holders and put them on firm surfaces that won’t get knocked over. And no matter how brief the journey you’re taking — if you’re going out of the room, blow them out. Most fires start in under minutes.
If you do care about safety (particularly in houses with kids or pets), then flameless candles are available. They appear real and lack the hazards.
A decorated Christmas tree is often the centerpiece of a holiday home. But if it’s not handled right, it can be a fire hazard — especially real trees that dry out.
If you’re getting a real tree, make sure it’s fresh. The needles should be green and not fall off easily. Once it’s home, water it every day. A dry tree can catch fire in seconds.
Also, don’t place your tree near heaters, fireplaces, or candles. And don’t get it in the way of the door — you’ll want room to make a quick exit if there’s a fire.
For store-bought trees, look at the box or container and see if it says “fire-resistant.” That’s always reassuring.
When cutting the tree, utilize LED lights and do not nest bulbs more than halfway into branches. And, like everything else, turn off the lights before bedtime or when leaving the house.
5. Do Not Leave Cooking Alone
Holiday fires most commonly start in the kitchen. With all the baking, frying, roasting, and reheating, it is simple to get distracted. But leaving the stove on is never a good idea — even for a minute.
Be careful with heat, especially stovetop heat. If you have to leave, have someone stay with it or turn off the burner when you come back.
Fold paper, plastic, and towels away from heat. And for goodness’ sake, don’t cook in loose sleeves — they will wrap around fires or hot surfaces.
Clean oven and stove. Grease is a fire initiator. And if you have not already bought a fire extinguisher for the space, think about getting one now and educating yourself about proper use.
6. Test Your Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are small but precious. They can give you the seconds you need to get out safely in the case of a fire. So, ensure that they work properly.
Test your smoke alarms every month. On most of them, there’s a test button to press to ensure that the alarm will be audible. Change batteries every year, or earlier if they begin to chirp. And if your alarm is over 10 years old, change it.
Install alarms on all levels of your home, especially near or in bedrooms. House fires happen mainly at night, and you’ll be glad for that early warning if you’re asleep.
7. Have a Fire Escape Plan
Even with cautious care, things can go awry. That’s why each home ought to have an exit plan in the event of a fire.
With your family, walk around the house and identify two exits from every room. With your family, have a plan for a place outside where everyone will gather in case of fire.
Practice the escape plan with all members of the household — including children. They should be able to identify the sound of the smoke alarm and know what to do if they do hear it. Don’t forget: get out and stay out. Don’t go inside again.
8. Watch Out for Kids and Pets
Little kids are not conscious of danger, especially on holiday play. Matches, candles, and lighters must be out of reach. Fireplaces or heaters must be turned off where it is possible.
Do not leave kids alone in a room with burning candles or cooking appliances. The same goes for animals — they can toss something on the floor unintentionally or chew up wires without a sense of the hazard.
It’s always best to err on the side of caution, especially when the home is full and everyone’s nerves are frayed.
9. Utilize Your Fireplace Safely
If you have a fireplace, burn with a screen behind you to keep sparks from getting into the room. Burn seasoned firewood only, dry — never wrapping paper, trash, or plastic. They can produce fast, dangerous fires.
Let ashes completely cool prior to throwing them away. And have your fireplace inspected a minimum of once each year if you burn it extensively. Soot build-up causes chimney fires.
10. Do: Rapid Safety Check Prior to Bed
Go around the house in the evening or when leaving for a holiday party. Shut off every light, blow out candles, and ensure the stove has been shut down. Unplug decorations that do not need to be plugged in.
These simple measures will save you so much and grant you peace of mind that all is well.
Final Thoughts
Holidays need not and should not be a source of worry or a visit to the emergency room — just an extra little bit of comfort and caution. If you’re careful with lights, candles, cooking, and decorations to just that much more, you can add light to your season and a safe home.
Fire-safety is easy and it’s worth it. Be cautious, be safe, and have a happy holiday with family and friends.
Bonus Tips for Holiday Safety
Christmas Tree Precautions: If you have a natural tree, ensure it is well-watered to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Keep the tree away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators.
Fire Extinguishers and Smoke Alarms: Keep a fire extinguisher easily accessible and ensure all smoke alarms are in working condition.
Educate Your Family: Discuss fire safety plans with your family, including evacuation routes and emergency contact numbers.
Taking a few extra precautions during the holiday season helps protect your home and family from the devastating effects of a fire. By practicing electrical, candle, and cooking safety, you can focus on celebrating and creating cherished memories without worry.
If you experience any fire or water damage this holiday season, contact 24 Hour Flood Pros to address any damages swiftly and effectively.
