Keeping the Holidays Safe: Fire Hazards You Need to Know

12/4/2024 (Permalink)

By SERVPRO®

The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, decorating your home, and cooking festive meals. However, it’s also one of the busiest times of year for home fires. Many of the traditions we cherish come with hidden fire risks, but with the right precautions, you can keep your celebrations safe. SERVPRO® Team Cox has put together a guide to help you identify and avoid common holiday fire hazards.

Fire Risks to Watch Out For

1. Christmas Trees: A Festive but Flammable Centerpiece

Real trees can dry out quickly, turning them into a fire hazard. Artificial trees, while less flammable, can still pose risks if not used correctly.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Water your tree daily to keep it fresh and less prone to ignition.
• Keep trees at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces and radiators.
• Use lights labeled for indoor use and ensure they don’t generate excessive heat.

2. Overworked Electrical Outlets

Holiday lights, decorations, and gadgets often mean plugging in more than usual, increasing the risk of electrical fires.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Inspect cords and light strands for damage before use.
• Avoid overloading outlets or power strips.
• Turn off lights and decorations when leaving home or going to bed.

3. Candles and Decorative Flames

Candles add warmth and ambiance but are one of the most common sources of holiday fires.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Place candles on sturdy surfaces, away from decorations or curtains.
• Use flameless, battery-operated candles as a safer alternative.
• Never leave a lit candle unattended.

4. Kitchens: The Heart of the Holidays and a Fire Risk

With so much cooking and baking during the season, it’s easy to lose focus and let a fire start.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Never leave cooking unattended, especially when frying or grilling.
• Keep flammable items like dish towels and packaging away from stoves and ovens.
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and ensure you know how to use it.

5. Heating Elements: Cozy but Cautious

Fireplaces and space heaters bring warmth during colder months but can cause fires if used improperly.

Tips to Stay Safe:

• Clean chimneys and inspect fireplaces before lighting the first fire of the season.
• Always use a fireplace screen to contain sparks.
• Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and turn them off when unattended.

What to Do if Fire Strikes

No one wants to think about a fire during the holidays, but it’s crucial to be prepared. If fire damage occurs, SERVPRO® Team Cox is ready to provide professional restoration services. From cleaning soot and smoke damage to repairing structural issues, our team is equipped to restore your property and your peace of mind.

Enjoy a Safe and Bright Holiday Season

With a little planning and attention to fire safety, you can enjoy all the warmth and joy the holidays bring without worry. SERVPRO® Team Cox wishes you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.

If you need assistance with fire damage restoration, don’t hesitate to reach out. SERVPRO® Team Cox is here to help protect your home and business during the most wonderful time of the year. Call us at 803-749-0178.