The holidays are a wonderful time, unfortunately, they can also bring a greater risk of a home fire. In a typical November and December, nearly 400 people in the Cascades Region will rely on the Red Cross after a home fire. December is also the peak month for home fires caused by candles and festive decorations.
As you prepare your home for the holiday season, remember fire prevention is key.
Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both. Check to make sure you have the right lights. Replace any light strings with worn or broken cords or loose connections.
Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
TREE SAFETY If you plan to decorate with a real tree, pick one with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source and make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Add water to the tree every day. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
If you buy an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
Think about using flameless candles ─ they can look and smell like real candles.
Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed and avoid using candles in bedrooms. Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn. Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily. Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface. Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container. Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
Place smoke alarms on each level of your home, including inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. In addition to testing your smoke alarms once a month, change the batteries at least once a year, if your model requires it. Check the manufacturer’s date of your smoke alarms. If they’re 10 years or older, they need to be replaced because the sensor becomes less sensitive over time. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
