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Holiday Fire Hazards

The holiday season often means family gatherings, decorations, holiday treats, and gifts, but it also means that homes are at greater risk of fire. During the holidays, the possibility of having property loss during a fire is 34 percent greater than during the rest of the year. To keep your home and your family safe this holiday season, Ãå±±ÂÖ¼é recommends the following tips for avoiding top holiday fire hazards:

Holiday Lights

Inspect each set of lights for any broken sockets or frayed wires and discard damaged sets.

When hanging lights outside, make sure to use insulated holders. Nails, tacks, or staples can damage the light’s wiring.

Remove outdoor holiday lights after 90 days to prevent damage caused by weather or pesky squirrels.

Christmas Trees

Place your tree at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, and heat vents.

Christmas trees should be watered daily as fresh needles are less likely to catch fire. If you prefer an artificial tree, make sure to purchase one that is fire retardant.

Always unplug any decorative lighting before leaving the house or going to sleep at night.

Candles

Don’t leave candles unattended. When leaving a room, make sure to blow out any lit candles.

Keep candle wicks trimmed to ¼ inch at all times to allow for a clean burn.

Keep the wax pool free of flammable foreign objects such as wick trimmings or matches.

Cooking

Remain in the kitchen if you are cooking on the stovetop, especially when you’re cooking with oil.

Declutter your cooking space by minimizing holiday decorations and putting away unnecessary oven mitts, napkins, wooden utensils, and hand towels.

Make sure to turn off your oven, burners, and any additional warming trays when no longer in use.