Celebrate Safely This Holiday Season

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe this season. Image Source: USFA/FEMA

As a restoration specialist, SERVPRO of Decorah wants to encourage you to have a safe holiday season by practicing some caution when dealing with fire.

Did you know that this holiday season is also the season of home fires? Christmas lights, candles, and holiday cooking can all heighten the chances of a fire. We appreciate the beauty and the glow of these light sources but what could have been just home décor could turn into a home disaster.

Here are some statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration on Holiday Fires.

• The top 3 days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and New Years’ Eve.
• More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.
• A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires.
• On average, one of every 52 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death.

Wow! These numbers can be a bit frightening. It’s really important that we be safe by practicing these simple safety tips.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips for you!

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
• Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
• Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
• Water your Christmas Tree (REAL TREE).
• Put any heat source at least 3 feet away from flammable objects.
• Try using battery-operated candles instead.
• Do not leave your kitchen if you are cooking.
• Make sure you’re smoke alarms are working.

“Stay safe’ has become a common expression in the context of public health, but this holiday season, we urge all -area home and business owners to think about ‘staying safe’ in their homes as they prepare for and enjoy the holiday season. If you experience a recent fire loss, we are here to help. Call SERVPRO of Decorah at (563) 387-7333.