Top 4 Holiday Fire Hazards & How to Avoid Them

Whether you’re a homeowner or renting, it’s important to keep your home safe during the holidays! According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 156,000 fires occur during the winter holiday season, causing 630 deaths, 2,600 injuries, and approximately $936 Million in property damage. By following a few simple rules you can keep your family and property safe!

#1 - FIREPLACES

  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned every year - need a recommendation for a chimney sweep? Just ask your Realtor!

  • Always dispose of hot ashes in a metal container and wet them with water

  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the home at all times - check your fire extinguisher once a year to ensure it’s still working properly!

#2 - CANDLES

  • Never leave candles unattended - blow them out before leaving the area of your home and always make sure they’re extinguished before leaving your home

  • Avoid placing candles near trees, garland, decorations, or in high-traffic areas

  • Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly before lighting candles in your home

#3 - STRING LIGHTS

  • Plug outdoor lights into GFCI outlets for added safety

  • Avoid overloading an extension cord and electrical circuit

  • Always turn off indoor and outdoor lighting when you’re away from the home home and before going to sleep!

  • Replace old string lights every few years for added precaution

#4 - SPACE HEATERS

  • Never leave space heaters unattended

  • Avoid placing space heaters near fabrics and flammable materials

  • Always ensure your electrical panel can handle the extra drain from a space heater before plugging them in

  • Plug space heaters into GFCI outlets for added protection

The holidays are a wonderful time for gathering with friends and relatives - but it’s important you take these safety concerns seriously! Share these tips with your loved ones and always be sure you have a working fire extinguisher in your home (ideally in the kitchen). Do you have other tips or suggestions? We’d love to hear them in the comments section below! We hope you have a very happy and safe holiday season!

HOME BUYING, HOME OWNERSHIP TIPS, FIRST-TIME BUYERSOlivia SekerakComment