Fire Safety: Christmas Edition

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

While we love decorating for Christmas, fires related to either Christmas trees or lights is a huge problem each year. Use these tips to help prevent the Christmas Fire. 

1. Connect no more than 3 strands of mini light sets together, plugged into the same power outlet.
2. Make certain no more than 50 bulbs are used simultaneously in screw-in light bulb sets.
3. Make sure your Christmas tree is at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including space heaters, radiators, fireplaces, candles and even heat vents.
4. Keep candles at least 12 feet away from anything that is flammable.
5. Consider using electrical candles instead of flame-producing candles.
6. Keep your tree well-watered. Dry trees account for the vast majority of Christmas tree fires.
7. Get rid of your Christmas tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
8. Use the right type of extension cord. Two-wire extension cords are usually fine for indoor lights, but be certain to use a three-wire, grounded extension cord for any outdoor light display.
9. Do not overload outlets by using mutiple-plug adapters.
10. Check for damage or deterioration to any extension cords and discard if any damage or deterioration is evident.
11. Do not connect extension cords together for longer runs. It is safer to use a single cord of the correct length.
12. Always turn off festive decorations, both indoor and outdoor, when you leave the house or go to bed.
13. As always, instruct your family on appropriate fire safety rules and procedures. Make sure you have fire escape routes planned throughout the home and that all family members are properly instructed in their use. Test your fire alarms weekly.

We hope these helped. If you do need us for any smoke or fire damage clean up, please call anytime at 740-369-5020.