Holiday Safety Tips: Preventing Fire Hazards During The Winter Season

Many home and business owners look forward to the holiday season — delicious food, celebration, making joyous memories with family and friends, and of course, the festive lights and decorations.

Unfortunately, it is also a time when the risk of fire increases significantly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are among the leading days of the year for residential fires.

This year, be proactive in protecting your property and your loved ones with these holiday safety and fire prevention tips from the experts at PuroClean of Evanston.

Cooking with Care

Preparing and enjoying a special meal for those closest to you is one of the most important rituals enjoyed during the holidays. It’s also one of the leading causes of house fires during this time of the year. 

When cooking, it is important to stay vigilant and never leave food and heating sources unattended. If you need to step away, turn off the stove or oven and come back to the kitchen later.

• Never leave food unattended on a hot cooking surface.
• Keep children and pets away from the stove.
• Use a timer to remind you to check your food, especially if you’re multitasking.
• Wear appropriate clothing when cooking.
• Keep flammable materials like paper products and hand towels away from your heat source.
• Always have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby.

If you’re using a turkey fryer, make sure the turkey is fully thawed, and do so outdoors on a sturdy, level surface well away from buildings and flammable materials. Never use a turkey fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.

Deck the Halls Safely

Many property owners in Chicagoland look forward to festively adorning their homes or places of business with lights, wreaths, candles, gaily-wrapped gifts, and holiday greenery.

While they bring warmth and cheer, these decorations also increase your fire risk if not utilized correctly. Here’s how to celebrate in style while minimizing the danger.

Christmas Trees, Garlands, and Wreaths

If you opt for real vegetation, choose pieces with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off easily when touched. Place your greenery at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, or heat vents. 

For diehard proponents of real holiday trees, be sure to water your tree daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. For artificial Christmas trees, ensure they’re labeled as fire-resistant. Regardless of tree type, always turn off the lights before leaving home or going to bed.

Let There Be Light

Sparkling lights are a beloved part of seasonal decorations, but they can also present an array of risks to your household if not used correctly. Here’s how to stay safe:

• Inspect lights before use: Before hanging your strands, inspect each one for any signs of wear and tear, such as frayed wires, broken bulbs, or damaged sockets. Replace any faulty strands to prevent potential electrical fires.
• Use LED lights: LED lights are a safer, energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. They produce less heat, reducing the chances of overheating and starting a fire.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets: Overloaded electrical outlets and power strips are a common cause of holiday-related fires. Ensure your lights and other decorations are evenly distributed across outlets to avoid overloading circuits.
• Turn off when not in use: It’s essential to turn off holiday lights when you’re not at home or when you’re sleeping. Use a timer or smart plug to automate the process and reduce both the risk of fire and your utility bill. 
• For outdoor lighting, use only heavy-duty light strands that are rated for exterior use.

Merry and Bright

Candles add a cozy and festive ambiance to any home, especially during Hanukkah, but the open flames can create a significant danger if not used carefully. 

Always place candles on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces, and ensure they’re out of reach of children and pets. Avoid placing candles near curtains, furniture, or decorations that can easily catch fire. Make sure there’s at least 12 inches of space between the candle and any flammable material.

Never leave burning candles unattended, especially when leaving the house or going to sleep make sure all are extinguished before leaving the room. Consider switching to battery-operated flameless candles that offer the same warm glow as traditional candles.

Stay Cozy — and Safe

During Chicagoland’s frigid winter months, many homeowners utilize space heaters to keep warm and reign in expensive power bills. But these compact appliances can be a menace if mishandled. 

Chimney fires are distressingly common, and they’re caused by a buildup of a substance called creosote. While a fireplace or wood-burning stove offers a gloriously warm refuge when the temperatures drop, it’s important to have your chimney regularly inspected and cleaned by a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep®. 

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not tragedy. You can significantly reduce the risk of fires in your home with these common-sense precautions. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. 
However, if disaster does strike, know that our professional and compassionate team is always available to assist with fire damage restoration and recovery for both home and business owners — reach out to us anytime!