Potential Fire Risks in Your Home During the Holiday Season
Holidays in the winter can be magical, but also can introduce fire hazards in your home. To prevent and prepare, check out the potential risks that may be present in your home during the holiday season.
Take Care When Decorating
When decorating your fireplace mantel, be sure to keep combustible materials such as greenery or ribbons away from any possible spark or flame. Never hang stockings in front of a burning fire. This particular decoration could be hung when a fire is not lit but should be moved when the fireplace is in use.
Keep candles away from items that easily catch fire, such as decorations, window treatments and paper. Also, be sure candles are kept far from children’s reach and are extinguished any time you leave the room. Candles are particularly easy to knock over or bump into, posing additional risk.
Preparing the Holiday Feasts
The kitchen may be the heart of your home, but cooking equipment is the leading cause of all home fires according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Cooking using the stovetop, microwave or conventional oven can easily spark fires. Heat sources can catch flammable materials like oven mitts and hand towels on fire, while cooking protein-rich foods without caution can result in grease fires, fire and smoke damage, and lingering, unpleasant odors and potentially toxic residue.
Related: Tips for Using a Turkey Fryer Safely
Remember to remain in the kitchen while food is cooking. As an extra precaution, keep an appropriately rated fire extinguisher within easy reach in the kitchen. Class B extinguishers are suitable to combat grease and oil fires.
Outlets & Electrical Operations
In addition to all the gadgets we use daily, the holiday season introduces items needing to be plugged in. When getting lights and cords out of storage, check to make sure there’s no damage or fraying as this can spark an electrical fire. Look for testing labels that certify the safety of your electrical appliances and equipment. If an appliance is old or the safety label is missing, consider getting a professional inspection or replacement.
If you are plugging in a decorated tree, this should be positioned at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators and other heat sources. Remember to unplug electronics when not in use, including holiday lights.
Following the opening of gifts, do not burn used wrapping paper in the fireplace as it may cause intense flash fires. Consider recycling these wrappings instead. Enjoy the holidays and the beauty and joy that comes with them while keeping you and your family safe!
