How
to Prevent Home Fires During Christmas
By:
The Experts at Safer Alarms
It
seems as if every year the holiday season begins earlier. Along-side
Halloween costumes in the stores are dancing Santa’s and reindeer. But in our
mad dash to get our home decorated for the holidays and organize the
gatherings, it’s easy to forget about the additional fire hazards that come
with this time of year. To keep your family safe, keep these tips in mind
to prevent fires:
Christmas
Tree - Let’s face it, bringing a 4 ft. to 8 ft. tree into your home that is
only being held up by a small stand with four screws is just asking for trouble
with a toddler in the home. I can remember at least one time in my
childhood hearing the tree come crashing to the floor in the middle of the
night. Toddlers will naturally be attracted by this new item in your home
and equally fascinated by the lights. To prevent the tree from
falling wrap green gardening twine around the mid-section of the tree.
There are extension gates that can be assembled as large as you require.
Once you have placed the lights on the tree, be sure to tape any extra length
of cord directly to the wall to prevent your toddler from pulling on it and
pets from biting it and potentially causing a fire.
Ornaments
- While you may have many family ornaments that you have used to decorate your
tree in the past, store any glass ones away for the next few years. Along
with the potential risk of broken glass cutting your child, a curious toddler
will try to put one in her mouth. Make sure smaller ornaments are placed
towards the top of the tree and consider decorating the bottom with ribbons or
larger cloth-covered ornaments.
Christmas
Tree Lights – Never attach more than three strands of lights together. Pick up
some extension cords and read the directions carefully for the best way to
light your tree. Some stores may even carry cords designed to go up the trunk
of your tree to individually light each strand. Also, make sure you keep them
high enough so that your pets don’t think they’re chew toys! Electrical fires
are no way to start your holiday season.
Fireplace
- Nothing is cozier than a roaring fire but make sure children are aware of the
dangers. If you have a fireplace in your home, make sure you securely
fasten gate or screen in front to protect your area rugs, carpets and furniture
from loose embers, and to keep your children safe from burns. Make sure you
have a fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
Cooking
- Whether your kids are helping you bake a gingerbread house or just heating up
a cup of hot chocolate, establish some safety rules. Make sure they
understand to stay away from hot appliances or plugging in electrical
appliances with wet hands.
Candles
– It’s easy to forget and leave a candle burning when you go to bed. There’s
also the chance of a taper candle falling over and igniting a table cloth or
drape. There is a wide array of scented electric candles that will look
just as beautiful and be much safer to use.
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