Holiday Safety Tips

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Lit candles are beautiful, but be careful about where you place them. Keep them away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets.

It’s that time of year - the holiday season- when most people are busy getting their homes ready for large family dinners, guests and celebrations. 

With all that goes behind getting your house in perfect holiday order, it’s easy to get distracted and forget about safety.

Here are some tips to remember while you decorate and cook that perfect holiday meal!

Fires

Cooking is the No. 1 home fire hazard, according to the NFPA.

• Always stay in the kitchen when cooking, and always keep an eye on the stove, oven or grill.
• Be careful of smoking oil – that is a sign that the oil is too hot and may ignite. Lower the flame or remove the pan from the heat.
• Never try to put out a pan fire with water. Baking soda works to extinguish a pan fire.
• It is now New Jersey law that every home must have a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the kitchen area,
• Keep oven mitts, dish towels and other flammable items away from heating elements and open flames.

Candles are a popular decoration, however it is important to follow these simple rules:

• Keep an eye on candles, and never place them near fabrics such as curtains, wall hangings or flammable decorations.
• If you have small children or a pet, make sure the candles are placed out of reach.
• Be sure to extinguish candles before going to bed or leaving the house.

Fireplaces are also a safety concern:

• Have your chimney cleaned annually.
• After a fire, dispose of ashes in a metal container, away from flammable material.
• Keep children at least three feet away from fireplaces.

Lighting

Holiday lighting poses the risk of overdrawing power and creating a fire hazard, and older strands are more likely to overheat because they require more electricity.

• Inspect your lights before hanging them. If they look worn (frayed wires, loose or cracked bulbs), don’t hesitate to replace them. Switch to LEDs, which are more energy-efficient and burn coolerthan conventional incandescents.
• If you’re stringing lights outside, make sure they are for outdoor use.
• Do not attach more than three strings of lights together.
• Always unplug your lights and decorations before going to bed or leaving the house.

Christmas trees

• Water your tree daily; dried-out trees are a greater fire hazard than trees that are properly watered.
• Keep trees at least three feet away from fireplaces, candles, heating vents or lights.
• Don’t use candles to decorate your tree.

We wish the best, brightest and safest holiday season for all our SERVPRO friends and families.