Fire hazards abound during the holiday season. With a drastic increase in electrical usage during the holidays, it’s imperative to take precautions when using outlets, stoves and other household appliances. We’ve compiled some tips that you and your family can perform prior to Christmas.
3 Foot Rule
Leave at least a three-foot space around any heating appliance and make sure blankets, sheets and other flammable objects are far away.
Turn It Off
Turn off portable or space heaters before going to bed or leaving home. It will keep costs down as well.
Heater Awareness
Do not use heaters that burn kerosene inside your home. Such appliances, in confined spaces, can ignite fires and generate life-threatening carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide
Get a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to high concentrations of the deadly gas. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission says that on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products.
Leave Toxins Outside
Never store or use flammable liquids inside your home. The vapors from such liquids can ignite from stoves or water heaters. Some examples of liquids that are flammable include, hair spray, nail polish, nail polish remover, some floor cleaners, furniture polishes, spot removers, oven cleaners, cooking oils, paint remover, thinners, acetone, gasoline, turpentine, oil-based paints, poly-urethane wood sealers, stains and varnishes.
Alarm Your House
Did you know that almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms? The National Fire Protection Association says a working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly fire.
Change Those Batteries
When it comes to smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, fully operational batteries should be tested on a regular basis. In most cases, they should replaced at least once each year.
Blow Out Candles
The lovely aromas from cinnamon and vanilla scents waft around the home during the holiday season. But, did you know that December is the peak time of year for home candle fires? According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year. Opt to use battery operated candles instead.
Hold A Family Safety Meeting
Talk through tips with your family members to make sure everyone is informed with the most up to date information regarding your home and emergency preparedness.
Image Credits (all): NorthEnd Tacoma Holiday