Tips for Preventing Holiday Fires

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Deep Frying Turkey Danger

Tips for Preventing Holiday Fires

Quick Tip: Make sure to only display candles in populated areas of the home and blow them out when leaving the room.

Statistics highlight the need for preparation and caution in holiday decorating and entertaining.

The approaching holiday season brings traditions, parties, shopping, entertaining – and potential danger, according to the restoration specialists at SERVPRO.

The latest statistics available from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show the holidays are a high-risk time for home fires. Christmas trees are responsible for 240 home fires each year, and other holiday decorations are the cause of another 1,170 fires. Thanksgiving Day sees almost a threefold increase in cooking-related fires; cooking fires are almost twice as likely to happen on Christmas Day as on non-holidays.

“No one wants to think about the possibility of losing their home, and even more tragically, lives because of a fire during the holidays,” said Rick Isaacson, Executive Vice President of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. “But statistics show, it’s important to be aware of the increased risk seasonal decorating, entertaining and cooking can cause during the holidays.”

Isaacson reminds homeowners that prevention and common sense can help keep homes and families safe during the holidays and throughout the year.  Here are some sobering facts about holiday fires and tips to help keep your home, friends and family safe throughout the holiday season.

Christmas Tree Fire Facts

• 33% of tree fires are caused by electrical problems; 13% involve decorative lights.Check wiring on lights for breaks and wear. Replace worn strings and don’t exceed manufacturer guidelines for connecting multiple strands of lights. Don’t leave tree lights plugged in when you are away from home or when you go to bed.

• 42% occur on the 12 days from December 23 through January 3. Keep live trees well watered to reduce the chance of a fire.

 Holiday Decoration Fire Facts

• 45% of all holiday fires involve candles; that number rises to 56% in December. Use flameless candles. If you do use traditional candles, burn them in sturdy candleholders, well away from drapes and other flammable materials, and never leave them unattended or allow them to burn down to less than one inch in length.

• 48% of all decoration fires start because the decoration is too close to a heat source.Keep all decorations away from heat sources like radiators, portable heaters, fireplaces, etc.

Cooking Fire Facts

• Cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day exceed the daily average by 272%. Supervise items on the stovetop. 58% of kitchen fires involve ranges; homes with electric cooktops have a higher risk of fire than homes with gas cooktops.

• Cooking fires on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve exceed the daily average by 96% and 89% respectively. Keep flammable items – potholders, packaging, wrapping, wooden utensils, loose clothing – away from the stovetop. And, don’t let lack of sleep or alcohol consumption affect your ability to concentrate on preparing the meal. 

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A home fire can have devastating physical and mental repercussions. Instead of feeling helpless and wondering where to turn next, use this guide to help you recover quickly and return to normal as soon as possible.

If you have experienced a home fire in the McHenry County area and are in need of fire damage restoration services, call SERVPRO at (847) 516-1600.

Source: SERVPRO.com