The holidays are an exciting time to spend with your family and friends, and the New Year is only a week away. But as you spend time this holiday season decking the halls, don’t forget to be fire safety smart! Although December may be the most wonderful time of the year, it is also the peak time of the year for home fires. With all the greenery and festive decorations it is a lot more likely for something to catch on fire. We want you to enjoy the holidays and to start the New Year worry free! So, here are a few fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that we wanted to share to help you have a fun, yet safe holiday season.
Holiday Decorating
- Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
- Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
- Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
Holiday Entertaining
- Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.
- Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
- Keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet.
- Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
- Ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
- Provide large, deep ashtrays for smokers. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
- Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Although the holidays are full of fun and excitement, they are over before you know it. Don't forget to make sure to remove the tree before it becomes dried-out to prevent any fires from starting. Make sure to bring all of your holiday lights and any other electrical devices from outside back inside. Store all the extension cords and lights in a dry attic or closet to prevent fire hazards and make them last longer.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!