Fire Safety During the Festive Season

Joyful celebrations, colorful lights, and Christmas trees are a must have during the holiday season, but they also come with fire hazards.

In fact, fire departments report an increase in residential fires during the holidays.

So, how can you enjoy the holiday season while keeping fire risks at bay?

In this post, we will talk about fire safety during the festive season.

Safety Around the Christmas Tree

Here are some safety tips for Christmas trees:

1. Opt for a healthy, fresh tree with green needles when possible. Remember that dry and flammable trees shed needles upon touch. Alternatively, you can use an artificial, fire-resistant tree.
2. Place your tree in the right spot. Position your Christmas tree at least one meter away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters, candles, and lights.
3. Also, ensure your tree doesn't block exits.
4. Water your tree daily. Christmas trees that aren't watered daily are more susceptible to catching fire compared to well-watered trees.

Safety with Christmas Decorations

1. Taking a few precautions can also ensure safety with Christmas decorations: Inspect decorations before use. Check your decorations for damage or frayed wires before plugging them in. Discard damaged decoration elements as they pose an electrical hazard.
2. Choose the right lights. Use lights that are tested and certified by a laboratory. Opt for LED lights, which are more energy-efficient and less prone to overheating.
3. Don't overload outlets. Never plug too many decorations into a single outlet. Keep in mind that overloaded outlets can overheat and cause fires.
4. Enhance Candle Safety
5. When using wax candles, consider these tips:
• Avoid placing candles near combustible materials.
• Keep burning candles at least one meter away from anything that can catch fire.
• Ensure candles are in stable holders and can't be easily knocked over.
• As an alternative, consider using LED candles.
6. Place candles on a non-flammable surface. Set burning candles on a non-flammable surface that can catch melting wax, such as a tray lined with aluminum foil.

Safety While Cooking

Here are some cooking safety tips:

1. Keep your kitchen clean. Grease fires are a common cause of kitchen fires. Clean up spilled grease and crumbs immediately to prevent fires. Also, keep your cooking area clutter-free to minimize the risk of fire.
2. Don't leave cooking unattended. Never leave cooking or baking food unattended. Use a timer to remind you when to check on the food after cooking.

Safety Around the Fireplace

Here are safety tips for fireplace owners:

1. Keep flammable materials – from wrapping paper to decorations and curtains – at least one meter away from your fireplace or hearth.
2. Use a fire screen. Place a fire screen in front of your hearth or fireplace to prevent embers and logs from escaping and to keep children a safe distance from the fire. Make sure to fully extinguish the flame before going to bed.

Fireworks Safety

And finally, some tips for handling fireworks:

1. Choose the right location. Select a location away from buildings and trees if you plan to light fireworks or firecrackers at home. Also, ensure your spectators, especially children and pets, stay a safe distance away.
2. Have a fire blanket or extinguisher on hand. Keep both ready to quickly and effectively respond to potential fires.

Conclusion

Enhance fire safety during the holidays by putting together a fire kit with a fire blanket, smoke mask, and fire-resistant gloves. Don't wait until it's too late – ensure safe festive celebrations by ordering a lifestyle fire blanket from ASK THE FOX today!