As joyous and festive as the holiday season can be, it also brings an increased risk of household fires. At One Call Restoration, we have witnessed the heartbreak that accompanies the loss and damage due to fires during such a cherished time of year. With the sparkles of fairy lights, the warmth of the fireplace, and the busy kitchen bustling with holiday feasts, it’s no wonder that fire departments across the country brace themselves during the holidays. In this extensive guide, we’ll explore the common causes of holiday fires and share valuable tips on how to avoid fire damage, ensuring that your holidays remain merry, bright, and, most importantly, safe.
The Most Common Causes of Holiday Fires
- Cooking Mishaps
The heart of holiday festivities often lies in the kitchen. However, it’s also where most household fires start. Unattended stoves, grease buildups, and flammable items left too close to the heat are the usual culprits.
- Heating Appliances
When the temperature drops, the utilization of heating equipment like fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters spikes. These can easily ignite nearby flammables, including curtains, furniture, and holiday decorations.
- Candles
The serene ambiance cast by candlelight is a holiday staple, but left unattended, candles can quickly turn a silent night into a frightful nightmare. They can easily ignite nearby materials or be knocked over, starting a fire.
- Electrical and Lighting
With holiday decorations often comes additional lighting — and extension cords. Overloaded outlets and faulty string lights can create sparks, igniting decorations or dry Christmas trees.
- Christmas Trees
Fresh Christmas trees add to the holiday spirit but become highly flammable as they dry out. A spark can rapidly turn a dry tree into a large flame.
How to Avoid Fire Damage During the Holidays
Stay Safe in the Kitchen
- Keep An Eye On Things
Never leave cooking food unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a short period, turn off the stove or ask someone to watch it. - Keep the Area Clear
Maintain a clutter-free cooking area. Keep towels, oven mitts, and other flammable items away from the stove and oven. - Use a Timer
A timer serves as an excellent reminder to check on what’s cooking, especially during the busy holiday season. Burnt food, grease, and buildup can contribute to the possibility of house fires, so having a reminder to check on your food and desserts can be extra helpful.
Heating Equipment Safety
- Regular Inspections
Have heating equipment cleaned and inspected annually by qualified professionals. - Maintain a Safety Zone
Keep flammable items like furniture, bedding, and holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources. - Use Space Heaters Wisely
Never leave a space heater running unattended or while sleeping, and always plug them directly into outlets, not extension cords.
Candle Caution
- Stable Surfaces
Only place candles on stable, heat-resistant surfaces away from drafty areas of the home, pets, and children. - Never Leave Them Burning While Unattended
Extinguish all candles before exiting the room, leaving your property, or going to bed. - Consider Flameless Alternatives
Use battery-operated candles to achieve the same festive glow without the risk, or room fresheners, potpourri, or other scented alternatives to help you set the festive mood in your home.
Electrical and Lighting Safety
- Inspect Holiday Lights
Before decking the halls, carefully examine your string lights for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or broken bulbs, and replace them if necessary. - Avoid Overloading Outlets
Do not plug too many devices into a single outlet, and use surge protectors to prevent electrical overloads. - Turn Your Lights And Decor Off Before Bed
Establish a nightly routine of turning off all holiday lights before hitting the hay, or make use of timers to have them turn off automatically.
Christmas Tree Care
- Choose A Fresh Tree
When selecting a live tree, ensure it’s fresh with green needles that do not fall off when touched. - Water Regularly
Keep your tree watered; a well-hydrated tree is much less likely to catch fire. - Choose Your Location Carefully
Position your tree well away from heat sources and exits, and make sure it doesn’t block foot traffic.
General Fire Safety Tips
- Smoke Alarms
Check that smoke alarms are in working order and have fresh batteries. Place them on every floor and in areas where people sleep. - Fire Extinguishers
Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and by heating appliances and familiarize yourself with how they should be used in the event of a fire. - Escape Plan
Formulate a fire escape plan with your family and practice it, ensuring everyone knows at least two ways out of each room and where to meet outside. - Be Prepared
Keep important documents and valuables in a fire-resistant safe or off-site location.
In the Event of a Fire
The risk of fire still exists even after all precautions have been taken. If a fire breaks out in your home:
- Be Quick To React
If a small fire starts (for example, in a pan), immediately use a lid or baking soda to smother it. Never use water, as it can spread a grease fire. - Keep Yourself Safe And Sound By Evacuating Your Home
If a fire grows beyond immediate control, prioritize the safe evacuation of everyone in the household. - Call for Help
After you have safely exited the building, call 911. Do not re-enter the home until it is declared safe by professionals. - Restoration Help
After the firefighters have gone, that’s when we, One Call Restoration, step in to help you rebuild and recover.
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. At One Call Restoration, we are committed to helping you safeguard these special moments by preventing fire damage through awareness and practical safety measures. If you follow the suggestions in this blog, you can greatly minimize the risk of holiday fires and ensure your family and home are well-protected during this festive time.
Should the unthinkable happen, remember that we are here for you. Our team of experienced professionals can help manage any fire damage restoration process efficiently and compassionately, making your restoration process as smooth as possible. Together, we can ensure the only warm glow in your home comes from the love and laughter of family and friends, not from a fire.
Stay safe and have a happy holiday season, from all of us at One Call Restoration.