It’s December and time to display holiday decorations. It is also a good time to educate yourself about holiday fires and the best fire safety precautious you should take to prevent holiday fires such as Christmas tree fires.
In the United States 1 in 3-holiday fires happen from electrical malfunctions, specifically related to Christmas tree fires are a danger to life and property. 1 in 40 Christmas tree fires at a residential property result in loss of life. That average is higher than home structure fires, which cause on average 1 fatality for every 142 home structure fires.
How will you fireproof your home during the holidays? Here is a list of fire safety best practices for holiday decorations:
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Keep holiday candles away from materials/ items that can catch on fire, such as your Christmas tree or tablecloth.
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Keep your Christmas tree moist by watering your tree. This will help you maintain adequate needle moisture content throughout the holiday season. Dry trees can easily catch on fire and cause a major house fire in a matter of minutes. The common reasons tree fires happen in the home are related to shorts in holiday electrical fixtures and open fires.
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Create a fire evacuation plan and practice it, especially before hosting big holiday parties.
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Have CO detectors installed and properly maintained. Carbon monoxide poisoning is more prevalent as the winter weather becomes colder. Read our article What are the advantages of CO detection to learn how to protect yourself and your family from Carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Treat your Christmas trees and other holiday plants with fire retardant prior to putting up holiday string lights. Use 3 strings of lights at a time that are UL approved for best safety results.
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Do not display holiday decorations around fireplaces or heat vents.
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Keep discarded wrapping paper away from any source of heat, particularly a fireplace.
And most importantly, have fire alarms installed on each level of your build property. Fire alarms should be tested every month. You should also have fire extinguishers on every floor of your building.
Call Fireline Corporation today at 800-553-3405or click here for all your fire protection system needs.
Fireline a Maryland corporation founded in 1947 by John S. Waters. Fireline remains a pioneer in the fledgling fire equipment distribution business and we have grown to encompass all facets of fire protection. We can design, install, inspect, or service any type of fire protection system. From fire alarm to fire extinguishers, we do it all.
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Source:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/holiday.shtm
http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/file/Fire_Safety/Winter_Holiday_Display_Poster.pdf