Here are the common holiday fire hazards on your property and tips to avoid them this holiday season.
It’s that time of year. Candles, holiday cooking, space heaters, and decorations create a festive and cozy home, but they can also trigger fire hazards. It’s easy to get consumed by all the fun this time of the year, so your ways to prevent house fires tend to drop naturally. Here are the common holiday fire hazards on your property and tips to avoid them this holiday season.
Kitchen Fires
Did you know that most house fires occur due to cooking? They are also one of the common holiday fire hazards in the United States. During the holiday time, it’s critical to be extra cautious, especially when frying traditional favorites. If you don’t want to ignore your guests, prepare as much of the meal before they arrive or designate someone else as the official greeter to let your visitors in while you cook. Remember to keep décor away from your stove, microwave, and all appliance vents.
Faulty Electrical Outlets
Faulty or old power cords, overloaded plugs, and loose outlets are bad any time of the year. Unfortunately, December attracts higher risk thanks to the additional strings of lights and other décor. Go ahead and utilize an extension cord for holiday decorations. However, inspect it for thinning insulation and other damages. Only use the extension cord for short periods and unplug it when not in use. If you’re using an extension cord or surge protector outdoors, ensure it’s graded for exterior use.
Candles
Candles are also one of the most common holiday fire hazards. They play a significant part in ceremonies, and décor and sometimes brighten our moods during those long winter nights. Try a simmer pot instead if you enjoy burning holiday candles for the scent. Integrate cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel into a pot with some water and simmer on low on the stovetop or in the crockpot.
Another alternative is decorating a wax warmer with scented pine cones or live evergreens. Additionally, you can always bake cookies without the candles for that warm holiday smell.
Christmas Trees
An aging, dried-out tree can attract fire from a hot bulb or spark, like a nearby candle or fireplace. Additionally, keep the tree’s water reservoir full to keep it from drying out too quickly. A great option are LED bulbs! They emit less heat than conventional incandescent lights.
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480