The holidays are a truly magical time of year! From festive decorations to joyful gatherings around the table, this season brings happiness, cherished memories, and cheer to countless families. Many holiday traditions involve a warm fire in the fireplace, twinkling lights on the tree, or a day spent cooking delicious meals in the kitchen.
However, some of these beloved traditions can also elevate the risk of fire. As you embrace the holiday spirit, ensure that your celebrations remain both joyful and safe by following these essential tips to avoid holiday fire hazards.
Holiday Cooking
Without a doubt, the kitchen gets a workout during the winter holidays. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fire departments responded to an average of 172,900 house fires a year that started in the kitchen. As you are preparing your holiday feasts, keep the following in mind:
- Never leave a stove unattended. Sauces can boil over and spill on open flames or electric ranges and can easily cause a fire.
- Keep items like kitchen towels and grocery bags away from the stove. In a matter of seconds, they can catch fire and cause an emergency.
- Children make great helpers for cookie baking and meal preparation, however, it’s never a good idea to have them alone in the kitchen. Be sure your little ones are always supervised.
- Be sure to have a working fire extinguisher that is easily accessible in the kitchen. A portable fire extinguisher can put out a small fire and minimize damages to your home.
Staying Warm
As temperatures dip in December, fireplaces, space heaters, and other heat sources are often utilized to create a cozy, holiday atmosphere. According to the NFPA, heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires in a year. Home heating safety practices include:
- Prior to the first fire in a fireplace in the winter, have your fireplace and chimney inspected for safety. Soot from the previous season may have built up and can increase the risk of a fire if not removed. Always use a protective screen when enjoying a fire.
- If using a space heater, never leave it unattended. Space heaters should be placed away from flammable items and follow the 3 feet rule from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If utilizing an extension cord with a space heater, make sure it is compatible with the space heater you are using to minimize any electrical hazards.
Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are often the focal point for many families during the holidays. Although uncommon, tree fires can quickly burn out of control, especially on live trees. If you celebrate Christmas and have a tree in your home, use the following safety measures to minimize holiday fire hazards:
- For live trees, be sure to water it every day so it retains moisture. Cut off 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in the stand so it can easily absorb water.
- A dry Christmas tree can go up in flames quickly!
- Make sure your Christmas tree is at least three feet away from any heat sources or open flames. Heat sources too close to trees causes nearly 25% of all tree fires.
Unattended Lights
While it may be tempting to leave your holiday lights on during the day to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere upon your return, it’s best to keep them unplugged when you’re not home. Unattended lights, particularly older ones that may have frayed wires or loose bulbs, pose a significant fire hazard. Here are some important considerations:
- Older holiday lights are more prone to malfunction due to wear and tear. A loose bulb or damaged wire can easily spark a fire if left unattended for extended periods.
- Consider using smart plugs or timers that allow you to program your lights to turn on and off automatically. This way, you can enjoy the festive glow without the risk associated with leaving them on when you’re away.
Menorah or Kinara
Lighting a menorah during Hanukkah or a kinara during Kwanzaa is a cherished tradition that symbolizes cultural heritage and spiritual significance. While these candle-lighting ceremonies are deeply meaningful, they also require careful attention to fire safety.
- Always place your menorah or kinara on a sturdy, non-flammable surface such as a metal tray or ceramic plate.
- Never leave lit candles unattended. An adult should always be present when candles are burning, and children and pets should be kept at a safe distance
These safety tips are designed to help you minimize holiday fire hazards during the winter. As always, be safe and smart about cooking, decorating, and heating your home.
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Happy Holidays from Reynolds Restoration Services
The team at Reynolds Restoration Services wishes you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season! While we hope you won’t need our services, our team is here 24/7 to help with fire, flood, storm, and related emergency restoration.
President of Reynolds Restoration Services. Over 20 years of experience in the emergency restoration industry.