Spending time with family and friends during the holiday means peace, joy, and happiness. One careless mistake, however, can change all that. Sometimes, we get so wrapped up in fun and entertainment that we overlook some basic safety rules. The following items and areas of interest contain safety tips and suggestions that will help keep your holiday season happy and festive for all!
Holiday Candles
Never leave candles unattended. Extinguish them when you leave a room, go to sleep, or leave your home. A National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) study shows that candles start more than half of all home fires. Most of those fires happen in December because candles are left burning unattended. Candle safety should be a top priority in your home.
Never leave candles unattended.
Holiday Decorative Lighting
Check the packaging to ensure whether your lighting can be used indoors or outdoors. Indoor and outdoor lighting and their usage must meet different standards for safety. The same goes for any extension cords you may have to use. Check the packaging to ensure that your lighting has met nationally recognized safety standards verified by testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Whether new or old, always check each light string for damage, exposed or frayed wires, and cracked or loose plugs or receptacles. If there is any damage, throw them out or, if available in your community, recycle them. For the utmost safety, outdoor lights should always be plugged into a GFCI.
Excessive use of extension cords
Always turn your holiday lighting off or unplug them when you are away or asleep. This country has more than 700 fires a year caused by holiday lighting.
Electrical Circuits
Overloaded electrical circuits start many home fires. Older homes tend to have fewer electrical outlets and circuits than newer homes. Using power strips or adapters that allow you to plug in multiple devices can lead to a fire. Take the time to ensure you are not overloading your electrical circuits.
Never overload electrical circuits.
Holiday Cooking and Baking
Cooking and baking fires are the number-one cause of home fires in the United States. The NFPA has reported that one-third of home fires are attributed to unattended cooking equipment. When using the stove or cooktop, be especially careful. Too high temperatures, splattering, towels or other combustibles, and inattention are the leading causes of fires in the kitchen. It is best to remain in the kitchen, even when baking or roasting. Use a timer as a reminder to check on the oven periodically if you are busy with multiple tasks.
Smoke Alarms
Even though you are supposed to change the batteries in your smoke alarms twice a year when you set the clocks forward and back, you should take the time to check your smoke alarms by pressing the test button and double-checking the battery. If you have a newer smoke alarm with a built-in 10-year battery, at a very minimum, test functionality with the test button. Properly functioning smoke alarms reduce your risk of a home fire death by half.
Christmas Trees
If you have a natural tree, water it daily. When purchasing an artificial tree, choose one that is fire-resistant. On average, Christmas trees contribute to about 200 fires annually. Use caution when selecting the tree's location and how you decorate it. Keep it at least 3 feet away from any heat sources.
Fireplaces
There is nothing quite as cozy as relaxing by the fire. With all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we can sometimes forget to have our wood-burning or gas fireplaces cleaned and inspected by a professional. This should be done at least once a year. Keep all of your decorations at least 3 feet away from the fireplace.
Keep combustibles at least 3 feet away from your fireplace.
Don’t forget to remove those stockings from the mantle when using the fireplace. Also, never throw wrapping paper into a wood-burning fireplace. Wrapping paper ignites rapidly and burns very hot. This could result in excessive flames and heat escaping the burn chamber.
Celebrate Holidays Mindfully
If you plan on drinking alcohol, make sure that you have a designated driver to get you and your loved one’s home safely. If you are hosting, watch your guests and ensure they have a safe way home. Too many celebrations end in tragedy due to drunk driving accidents during the holiday season. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
From the entire HomePro Inspections family, our staff and home inspectors wish you a safe, wonderful, and warm holiday season with family and friends.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us today at (507) 202-8942 or use our online “Schedule Now” feature to schedule an appointment.