The winter holidays are fast approaching, and while everyone is excited to take part in the celebrations, there is still a need to raise awareness about fire safety, as most fires occur mostly during the holiday season. In fact, the American Red Cross reports that 500 lives each year are claimed by winter holiday fires and cause approximately $554 million in property damage. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also reports that most home cooking fires peak during Thanksgiving and the Christmas holidays.
Aside from losses in property, the comprehensive restoration and repair of the damage caused can only be performed by an expert fire damage restoration company, such as ServiceMaster by LoveJoy in Georgia. These expenses can be heavy on the homeowner, so it’s best to prepare ahead to minimize fire risks this winter and prevent costly problems. In this article, ServiceMaster by LoveJoy has compiled some basic winter holiday fire safety tips to help keep families and celebrations safe.
Causes of Winter Fires
Several factors contribute to an increased fire risk during the winter holidays. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) aims to reduce the risk of winter fires by spreading awareness regarding the top causes of fire incidents listed below.
- Heating. Heating fires peak during the months of December, January and February, and is the second leading cause of homes fires in the U.S. Heating fires usually involved home heating equipment, especially space heaters.
- Carbon Monoxide. Carbon monoxide incidents are typical during winter months in residential properties. This odorless, colorless gas, which is often called the invisible killer, potentially originates from heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel.
- Generators. While generators are useful during power outages, they can also be risky if used improperly. It is reported that half of generator-related deaths happened from November through February. There can also be dangers when using portable generators, which include carbon monoxide poisoning, electrocution, and fire hazards.
- Candles. Most candle fires occur during Christmas and Christmas Eve, and U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7, 610 home structure fires that were started by candles per year from 2014 to 2018.
- Electrical. In the U.S., reported home fires are mostly caused by electrical systems. Lighting equipment and electrical distribution are involved in about half of all home electrical fires.
Fire Safety Tips for the Winter Holidays
Fortunately, fire hazards can be minimized. Keep these basic holiday safety tips in mind to prevent property losses from unforeseen fire incidents.
- On average, 21 home candle fires were reported per day from 2014 to 2018. Never leave a room with a lighted candle.
- Never burn anything in the fireplace. This includes garbage, used wrapping paper, and other debris.
- Adult supervision must be constant around children, especially in areas near the fireplace, stoves, and open flames, including candles.
- Ensure that the space heater is in good working condition before using it. Damaged heaters must never be utilized.
- Inspect smoke alarms and detectors inside the house and replace batteries when necessary. Make sure that they are functional before the celebrations take place.
Decoration Safety
- Care must be practiced with holiday decorations. It is better to use flame-resistant or flame-retardant embellishments. Keep open flames away from decorations and other combustible materials. Also, keep decorations away from windows and doors. Only decorate a tree with non-combustible or flame-resistant decorations.
- Make sure that lights are utilized properly, since some of them are designed either for indoor or outdoor use. Always read the manufacturer's instructions before setting them up. Hang lights using clips to avoid damage.
- For outdoor decorations, label extension cords used specifically for the outdoors and fasten lights securely to supports to keep them secure. Always plug outdoor lights and electric decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet or use a surge protector for safety.
Christmas Tree Safety
- Keep trees fresh for the whole duration of its use. If using artificial trees, only buy fire-resistant ones.
- Don't use burning candles as tree decorations and keep the tree away from open flames, such as fireplaces or wood burning stoves.
- Place trees away from doorways or exit routes, as to not block passage in the event that a fire occurs.
- Do not use damaged lights or those with frayed wires on the tree.
- Do not overload an extension cord. Three light strands are a maximum. Also, don't overload an electrical outlet.
- Unplug lights and non-essential electronics and appliances when leaving the house.
- Lit candles used as decorations must be placed at least three feet away from the tree.
Winter Holiday Fire?
Contact ServiceMaster by LoveJoy, Georgia's Leading Fire Damage Restoration Company
If a fire isn’t prevented despite taking precautionary measures, it’s time to call a professional who can deal with the damage in the correct way. ServiceMaster by LoveJoy‘s restoration professionals helps return your property back to normal as quickly as possible while restoring your peace of mind by doing the job right.
ServiceMaster by LoveJoy offers fire repair services, smoke and soot removal, and content cleaning to homes and businesses. We have provided fire damage restoration services since 1999 to many homes tarnished by fire. We are an IICRC-certified firm and an insurance-preferred vendor in Georgia.
ServiceMaster by LoveJoy is available to respond to your emergency needs and provide you with immediate solutions to fire and smoke damage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at 678-293-0297 for Conyers and 770-992-1575 for Roswell. We service Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, and Dekalb County, Georgia and surrounding areas.
