Decorating Basics for Fire Safety

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Decorating Basics for Fire Safety | SERVPRO® of McAllen

Isn’t this a beautiful picture: twinkling lights, sweet smells of warm pies and gentle music playing everywhere you go? This time of year there is always something to do around here, including the evening parade, catching a concert or walking through the Christmas village at the park.

The holiday season can be pure magic, but it also can be a dangerous time for home fires.

Carefully decorate this season and take action to protect your home. Enjoy the wonder and awe of the season when you have taken the time to be fire-safe for both your loved ones and your community!

<h3seasonal-hazards">Top Seasonal Hazards

On average, fire departments respond to 790 fires that start due to decorations.

Often, decorations that are placed too close to a heating source like a space heater or fireplace are to blame for blazes. Candles and decorative trees are another leading cause of fires that can leave your home with extensive damages.

If you keep a live tree in your home, water it often so it doesn’t dry out and clean up loose needles that fall around it. If an artificial tree better fits your home, ensure it has a fire-resistant tag.

If it is several years old, consider replacing it to meet the highest safety standards. Don’t plug excessive items into your outlets and turn your decorations off when you go to bed.

<h3preventive-measures">Take Preventive Measures

You know that story that has the great line “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care? Say that over and over again while you hang decorations around your home and take care to avoid placing items close to an open flame.

Every day, there are an average of 20 home fires that start due to a candle. Blow them out when you leave the room, and burn them safely away from everything. If you have a fireplace, get it inspected and cleaned early in the season before you light it for the first time.

Any decorations for outside should be rated appropriately to be safely used in all kinds of weather. String lights need to be hung well with insulated nails so they do not fall and increase your risk of brush fires. Check local guidelines in your area for fire restrictions that may dictate outdoor safety rules, and be sure to heed them to protect your community.

Check your smoke detector’s batteries while you decorate, and be sure you have several working ones throughout your home. Talk about your emergency fire plan with everyone who may be staying with you for the season, and make note of SERVPRO’s number so you can make a quick call if your home is damaged during a fire.

Have smoke or fire damage in your house? Contact us today to get cleaned up fast.