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Holiday Fire Safety Tips
I remember growing up as a child, the lights, candles, fireplaces, and smells of baking Pumpkin Pie seemed to transform the time into something mystical. The sights, sounds, and smells swaddled me in a comfortable cocoon of contentment. Believe it or not, I still react in the same way today.
Household fires are the number one preventable disaster we face.
I do not need to research the travesty and devastation that will come from a home fire. I burnt my own home down. Many years ago, while in the Military, my wife and I lived in a small two-bedroom trailer with our dog Sandy. In my haste to get back to work one winter afternoon, I placed an empty box up against the wall next to an electric heater. The trailer burnt down, the dog died, and at the end of the day, the only things we had left were the clothes on our backs and the car we drove to work that day. If I hadn’t been so stupid, the trailer would have still been standing at the end of the day, and our dog Sandy would have probably lived a long life.
A fire needs three things to happen: Fuel– Heat – Oxygen
Simple Fire Safety Tips:
Install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home, even the basement. In addition, place a smoke alarm outside every sleeping area. Ideally, install smoke alarms in every sleeping area, too. Finally, change the batteries at least twice a year – Daylight Saving Times is a time to remember this. And replace smoke alarms after ten years.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles. I using traditional candles. Place them in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders place candles where they cannot tip over. Never leave a lit candle unattended. And blow out candles after use and before going to bed.
Use a metal or glass fireplace screen to keep sparks from hitting nearby carpets or furniture. Keep kindling, paper, and decor away from fireplaces and wood stoves.
More residential fires are caused by cooking on Thanksgiving Day than from any other source. When cooking, stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the stove. Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking. And keep towels, potholders, curtains, and paper products away from the stove.
If you smoke, think about quitting. I did after 40+ years. You can stop too. Put out all cigarettes, cigars, or pipes before you leave a room or area. For help to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, they are more likely to be serious when they do occur. Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer.
For more information: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays
Fire extinguishers are nice to have in the kitchen. As a general rule, firefighting should be left to the fire department. Only adults who know how to use portable fire extinguishers should use them.
***If you do not know how to use your fire extinguisher, contact your local fire department for training.***
Before fighting a fire, make sure that everyone is leaving the house, someone is calling 9-1-1, the extinguisher is mounted on the wall close to your way out, and the fire is not bigger than a small wastepaper can, and you can get out. This very important, if you cannot extinguish the fire leave immediately.
Inspect portable extinguishers monthly and have them serviced annually. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height. As a general rule, portable fire extinguishers for the home should be rated at least 2-A:10-B:C.
https://www.angi.com/articles/understanding-fire-extinguisher-ratings.htm
Not all Inclusive
This article is not all-inclusive.I cannot think of all the ways you can burn down your house.
Remember, house fires are the number one preventable disaster facing families every year. House fires are not accidents. They are either intentional or caused by willful negligence. It is your responsibility to do your due diligence about Holiday Fire Safety. Do not take for granted that some guy writing a Blog Post about Holiday Fire Safety knows everything. I do not, but this is a good starting point for you to demonstrate your leadership and make your home as safe as you can this coming holiday season.
Below are a few links for more Holiday Fire Safety information.
https://www.houselogic.com/home-thoughts/holiday-fire-safety-tips/
https://www.nist.gov/fusion-search?s=christmas&commit=Search
https://www.ready.gov/holiday-toolkit
Till next time
“Be Safe”
P.S. Remember to grab a copy of the free Holiday House Fire-Safety eBook.
