Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays
As the holiday season is upon us, it is important to remember to stay vigilant when it comes to fire prevention. With an array of specific holiday traditions involving lights, flames and electric appliances, it is imperative to take extra precautions during this time of year. To help you and your loved ones stay safe, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the U.S. Fire Administration, and the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI).
Christmas Tree Safety
While not a common occurrence, Christmas tree fires can be devastating when they do happen. The NFPA has provided a list of best practices when choosing, placing, lighting and disposing of your tree to prevent these extremely dangerous fires.
Be sure to choose a healthy tree with green needles. If the needles fall off when touched, avoid the tree, as it is most likely dry and flammable. This video shows how quickly a Christmas tree can become engulfed in flames.
Placement of the tree is very important. It should be set up at least three feet away from heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, heat vents, space heaters, lights or any other heat/flame source. One in every five Christmas tree fires results from placing the tree too close to a heat source.
Be sure not to block any exits with your tree. In case of fire, whether caused by the tree or elsewhere in the home, it is crucial that all exits to the home are clear and easily accessible by all people in the home.
Remember to water your tree daily to avoid dehydration. Trees that are not watered daily are much more flammable than well-hydrated trees.
When lighting the tree, ensure that you choose the appropriate lighting for your tree placement. Check for whether the lights are for indoor or outdoor use and that they have been appropriately tested.
Replace any broken or loose bulbs and avoid plugging in too many light strands. Electrical problems are the cause of roughly 33% of Christmas tree fires.
For obvious reasons, NEVER light your tree with lit candles.
Always turn the tree lights off when leaving the house or going to bed.
Don’t wait too long after Christmas to take down the tree. The longer a tree is left up, the higher the risk of it drying out and being susceptible to fire.
Candle Safety
Being extra cautious around open flames is extremely important during the holiday season. With the majority of candle-related fires occurring during the month of December, fire prevention measures are crucial when handling, lighting, or placing candles. Here’s our favorite tips from the NFPA on practicing candle safety during the holidays.
Be sure to place all candles in a sturdy candle holder. For handheld candles, avoid transferring from one person to another and remain aware of the flame’s movement at all times.
Never place lit candles, matches or lighters around children or pets. Instead, consider using battery-operated candles.
Do not place lit candles near windows with blinds or curtains.
Never leave lit candles unattended, particularly in the presence of children or pets or when the candle is sitting on a flammable surface, such as a wooden table.
Any building utilizing candles, such as the home or place of worship, must be equipped with fire alarm and sprinkler systems that are up to date on all testing and inspections.
Holiday Kitchen Safety
The most common starting point for house fires is in the kitchen, with 62% of house fires caused by stovetops. Be extra cautious when preparing holiday meals, as the increased cooking during this time can pose a greater risk of fire. To help you navigate kitchen fire safety during the holidays, the ESFI has provided a list of tips for home cooking fire prevention.
Be sure your kitchen’s outlets are equipped with GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacles. These are necessary in preventing shock and electrocution and should be well-maintained and tested all year long.
Keep all electrical appliances unplugged when not in use.
Be sure to double (and triple) check that all appliances are fully off when finished cooking.
Regularly clean your stovetop and oven to prevent grease or dust buildup.
Be sure to stay in the kitchen at all times when cooking…NEVER leave your cooking food unattended.
Refrain from drinking, smoking or taking sleep-inducing medications when cooking.
Although it may be tempting during the winter months, NEVER use your oven or stove to heat your home.
Holiday Shopping and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
As technology continues to advance, more and more holiday gifts involve lithium-ion batteries. This includes smart phones, tablets, computers, toys, electric vehicles and many other e-devices. While lithium-ion batteries are an excellent source of power, they can also be extremely dangerous when not properly used or stored.
Potential dangers from lithium-ion battery fires include heat and smoke-related damage, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. This is why it is imperative to treat these devices with care and to ensure all damages are repaired by a qualified professional.
The NFPA has provided some safety tips to prevent fire-related damage from lithium-ion batteries.
Avoid overheating your device. Once your device is fully charged, unplug it.
Avoid exposing your device to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Be sure to recharge larger devices such as e-vehicles either outdoors away from any structures or indoors out of direct sunlight.
Only use batteries produced by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory and charging equipment specifically designed to be compatible with your device.
Avoid exposure to liquids or other substances.
Do not use your device if the battery is damaged. Be sure to use a reputable service to repair your device before using it again.
Learn More
For more information on fire safety during the holidays, check out the following websites and PDFs from the NFPA, U.S. Fire Administration, and ESFI:
National Fire Protection Association Winter Holiday Safety Tips
National Fire Protection Association Lithium-ion Battery Safety Tips
U.S. Fire Administration’s Holiday, Candle and Christmas Tree Fire Safety Outreach Materials
To learn more about fire prevention and safety or schedule your fire alarm system testing and inspection, contact a member of our team today.