Putting a freeze on Winter holiday fires
With the holiday season here, the risk of house fires will drastically increase in the coming weeks, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Holiday lights are a common source of danger within homes during the holiday season. Be sure to turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving your home. Additionally, take a close look at your lights if you have been using them for multiple years. Ensure that no wires are frayed or pinched, as these are more likely to start fires.
If you plan on linking multiple strands of holiday lights together, do not create a chain with more than three individual light strands. For extra caution, read the manufacturer’s guide to see how many light strands are recommended to be linked together.
If you have a Christmas tree, it is important to keep it watered. If the tree dries out too much, it is more likely to catch fire.
Be sure to inspect holiday light strands for your Christmas tree as well, as they can get basic wear and tear over the years just as outdoor lights can. It is important to keep your Christmas tree at least three feet away from room exits and heat sources.
Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day are the top three days of the year for home candle fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
If you use candles to celebrate this year, be sure to never leave them unattended in a room.
A good option to safely enjoy candles is to use flameless battery-operated candles instead of open flames.
More than one third of holiday home fires are started by candles, so be sure to keep a close eye on any candles you use to celebrate this holiday season.