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Holiday House Fire Deadly Sins
Holiday Fire Safety Tips
The holiday season is upon us, with it, the seasonal rise in house fires. The American Red Cross says there will be 45,000 + house fires during the holiday season.
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.
And now, I am aware that the holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of the year for household fires.
Household fires are the number one preventable disaster we face.
Simple Fire Safety Tips:
Install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home, even the basement.
In addition, install a smoke alarm outside every sleeping area. Ideally, install smoke alarms in every sleeping area, too.
Change the batteries at least once a year – maybe at Daylight Saving Time or on your birthday.
Replace smoke alarms after ten years.
Candle Considerations
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
Put candles in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders.
Place candles where they cannot tip over.
Never leave a lit candle unattended.
Blow out candles after use and before going to bed.
Fireplaces
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.
Cooking
When cooking, stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on the stove.
Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
Keep towels, pot holders, curtains, and paper products away from the stove.
Smokers
If you smoke, think about quitting.
Put out all cigarettes, cigars, or pipes before you leave a room or area.
Choose fire-safe cigarettes. They are made to go out if left unattended and are less likely to start a fire.
Keep all matches and lighters up and out of the way from children.
For help to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Christmas Trees
Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer.
Fire Extinguishers
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 trying to fight 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, the fire is not bigger than a small wastepaper can, and you can get out.
Inspect portable extinguishers monthly and have them serviced annually.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
Generally, portable fire extinguishers for the home should have a rating of at least 2-A:10-B:C.
Not all Inclusive
This list is not all-inclusive. It would be pretty problematic to post all possible scenarios.
You are responsible for doing your due diligence on House Fire Safety. In some countries allowing your house to burn down is equal to a criminal offense. However, House fires are preventable and only happen intentionally (Arson) or because of the willful negligence of the people in the house.
Below are a few links to get you started searching for Holiday Fire Safety information.
https://www.eapworkshop.com/f/holiday-house-fire-safety
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.Take advantage of the upcoming free Holiday House Fire Bootcamp: https://www.eapworkshop.com/f/holiday-house-fire-safety
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