The Holidays are usually a time to enjoy family and fun but we shouldn’t forget about the hazards that surround this time of year. It’s easy to forget with the shopping and entertaining but according to the National Fire Protection Association, home fires occur most often during the winter months.
Be sure to check smoke alarms as well as making sure you have enough fire extinguishers on each floor.
The Christmas Tree
A dry Christmas tree can pose a serious fire hazard. The tree and leaves contain highly-flammable oil that can spontaneously combust. Other fire triggers include wood-burning stoves, candles or short circuits in cheap Christmas lights. To avoid this be sure to keep your tree 3 feet away from any heat source, cut the bottom inch or so of your trees trunk. Most importantly fill the stand with water as soon as the tree is up as well as daily.
Outlets
With tree lights and electric necessities your outlets can malfunction and short circuit causing devastating residential fires.
Candles
Most home candle fires occur within the month of December. A great alternative is flickering LED lights.
Tips are courtesy of Thisoldhouse.com and interestingengineering.com
