Holiday Decoration Fire Safety

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Decorations can be pretty but if not handled with care can be pretty flammable and damaging to your home

According to NFPA.org US Fire Departments respond to about 840 home fires each year that begin because of holiday decorations, not including Christmas trees. These fires cause two deaths, 36 injuries, and $11.4 million in property damage per year. Don’t let your holiday decorations go up in smoke. Implement these fire safety safety tips in order to try and prevent a holiday fire in your home:

• Choose decorations that are flame retardant or resistant. Then, keep these decorations at least 12 inches away from the fireplace, open candle flames, and other heat sources.
• Check light strands for an indoor or outdoor rating. If hanging lights indoors, use UL-listed Christmas tree lights rated for indoor use. If hanging lights outdoors, use UL-listed Christmas tree lights rated for outdoor use.
• Check strands closely as you hang them and replace any with frayed cords or loose light bulb connections. Replace any broken or missing bulbs before hanging up the lights. 
• Only link together the number of light strands recommended by the manufacturer. 
• If lighting candles for decoration, keep away from other decorations, flammable materials or fabrics and children or pets.
• Stockings should be hung by the fireplace with care. It is best to make sure that any stockings or decorations hung off the mantle, or placed on the mantle, are kept away from the fire. Don’t forget that fires do spark and emit embers. It is best to have a fireplace screen for additional safety to try and prevent any embers from landing on decorations. One spark is all it takes to start a fire. 

If your home does experience fire damage, the professionals at SERVPRO Greensboro North are here for you. We can be reached 24/7 at 336-379-1772