Enjoy a merry & safe Christmas season
Thanksgiving was the peak day for home cooking fires with more than three times the daily average for such incidents. However, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are ranked second and third, with both having nearly twice the daily average.
According to the USFA, candles are responsible for an estimated 15,600 residential fires a year, causing 150 deaths, 1,270 injuries, and $539 million in property damage. More than half of candle fires are a result of a candle being placed too close to flammable holiday decorations. You can still enjoy the ambiance that wax candles provide, with a safer battery powered option.
Before you celebrate, take the time to put working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas. Remember to change the batteries in these alarms twice per year or per manufacturer’s guidelines.
Deck the Halls with Fire Safety
Celebrate the holidays with these holiday fire safety tips from NFPA.
Christmas Tree Fire Turns Devastating Within Seconds
A live Christmas tree burn shows just how quickly a dried-out Christmas tree burns, with flashover occurring in less than one minute, as compared to a well-watered tree, which burns at a much slower rate. Take care to water your tree, so that it doesn’t become a fire hazard.
Carbon monoxide
Christmas season means cool weather. When starting your fireplace or gas heater, make sure your chimney and vents are free from blockages first. For tips on the dangers of Carbon Monoxide click HERE.