This year’s holiday wish: Everyone follows the home fire safety tips for the holidays! Here’s advice from Americans and the National Fire Protection Association to keep your family free from fire and your home intact.
The National Fire Protection Association states home fires are a holiday hazard.
Let’s start with Christmas trees. Electrical malfunctions caused almost half of home Christmas tree fires, and nearly one in five Christmas tree fires were started by decorative lights. Candles or other lighting equipment also start fires. The same goes for holiday decor, whether “live” or made of another material.
Here are six tips for keeping fire at bay during December:
- Never leave decorations turned on/plugged in while you’re away or asleep.
- Never leave candles burning unattended, while you’re away, or if you’re asleep.
- Watch your pets!! Bushy tails, active kittens, and wrestling puppies need only one swish to start a fire.
- Use arc-fault circuit interrupters for plugged-in decor to help reduce fire potential.
- Keep flammable items at least 3 feet away from candles. To catch the melting candle wax, place the kinara on a non-flammable surface, such as a tray lined with aluminum foil. And to repeat #2 – never leave lit candles unattended.
- Do not put candles near or on your Christmas tree, decorations, or furnishings. Ensure lit candles are in a purpose-made candle holder and on a heat-resistant surface. Never put candles under shelves.
Here’s to a fire-free holiday season, and thanks to America’s own National Fire Protection Association for the good ideas.