Staying Safe: Fire Safety Tips During the Holidays

It’s almost here! First comes the baked turkey, gravy-soaked stuffing, whipped mashed potatoes and perfect pumpkin pie. Then comes the decorations, the live Christmas trees, the strings of lights and the influx of holiday baking. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be one of the most dangerous.

Holidays Bring Fire Concerns

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, one in every three Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems, and one in six is caused by trees being too close to heat sources. Also, the USFA reports that home candle fires occur more in December than any other time of the year.

So, how can you enjoy your holidays and avoid house fires? Here are some tips to keep your Orlando family safe:

1. Take care of your tree. It’s wonderful to have a real fur tree for Christmas, and we’re not arguing against them, but make sure to take care of your tree and decorate it properly. The USFA urges citizens to keep their trees in standing water at all times, since a well hydrated tree is far less likely to erupt into flames than a dry one. The administration also recommends placing the tree away from heat sources, using non-flammable decorations, checking strings of lights for any frayed or damaged bulbs and only using lights tested by a nationally recognized laboratory, like the Underwriters Laboratory (UL). This goes for artificial trees, as well–make sure to purchase one certified by UL as flame resistant.
2. Don’t leave candles burning without supervision. Making your home smell like cinnamon all day isn’t worth the threat of a house fire from an unmonitored flame. Also keep candles away from Christmas trees and other potentially flammable decorations.
3. Cook responsibly. We know—you have nine pies to make and a whole turkey to cook and a dozen cookies to bake, and you only have so much time to do it. Cooking, however, is the biggest cause of home fires and fire injuries, and it requires patience as well as safety. Never leave a burner or the oven on if you need to leave the house, turn pot handles toward the inside so they can’t be pulled or knocked over, and make sure to monitor the cooking foods at all times. Don’t leave things like dish towels close to heat sources and always have a pan lid or baking sheet nearby to cover a pan if it suddenly catches fire. We strongly advise against using a turkey fryer, and the National Fire Protection Agency agrees.
4. Use ladders safely.  When hanging outdoor decorations, use an appropriate ladder with slip resistant feet and avoid climbing ladders during bad weather or high winds. Make sure to ascend ladders correctly and have a spotter to steady the ladder if necessary. This will help avoid any unnecessary injuriesthat can occur during the holiday season.
5. Keep track of the lights. Only use indoor lights indoors, and the same goes for outdoor lights. Always check strands for damage and never attach more than 3 light sets per extension cord. Fasten outdoor lights firmly and don’t put stress on them by nailing or tacking them to the roof. Avoid placing plugs and extension cords in areas that build puddles when it rains.
6. Never leave any light or motorized decoration on unattended. Always turn off all decorations when you go to bed.

So have fun this year–and be safe!

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