The winter holiday season is a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebration, but it’s also a time when home fires are most prevalent. In fact, statistics show that a significant number of home fires occur during this time of year, largely due to an increase of cooking, the widespread use of heating devices, and the many decorations that are used to celebrate. The ambiance created by candles and Christmas lights are undeniably inviting, but they also increase the risk of fire in our homes. Thus, it is essential to be vigiliant and aware of the fire hazards that accompany this season. Being proactive and knowing what steps to take to reduce your fire risk can make all the difference in keeping your home and loved ones safe. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common fire hazards during the holiday season and provide practical tips on how to minimize those risks.
Christmas trees are involved in hundreds of home fires every year. If you have a real tree, it is recommended to water it daily to keep it hydrated. Not only will this keep your tree fresh, it will also slow down the growth of fires caused by lighting equipment. To demonstrate, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released a video showing a side-by-side comparison of a dry vs watered tree when a fire is started. They found that dry trees burst into flames uncontrollably within seconds, while the fire eventually died out in the watered trees.
According to further research from the NFPA, most fires involving Christmas trees are caused by electrical distribution and lighting equipment. This may include lamps, lights, wiring, or bulbs. Thus, it is important to inspect any equipment and cords for any damage or cracks before use. Also, make sure to keep space heaters, candles, and fireplaces away from the tree, since the excess heat or flames may ignite a fire. While Christmas lights alone don’t cause fires, defective wires and overloaded outlets can be a large fire risk during the winter season. To learn more about the requirements of Christmas lighting, check out this article by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Another common fire hazard during the winter months are candles. In 2014-2018, there was an average of 21 candle fires reported every day, with December being the peak month, followed by January. To prevent candle fires, you should always keep lit candles attended and away from children or pets. In addition, you should make sure the candle is not positioned near or on top of combustible material like paper, curtains, or holiday decorations. According to the NFPA white papers, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,610 home structure fires that were started by candles per year.
Their research intimates that candle fires are closely related to holiday decorations. In December, twelve percent of candle fires began with decorations. To prevent this, make sure Christmas trees and other combustible items are kept at least 3 feet away from any lit candles and heat sources. Also, try to prevent overcrowding the home with decorations, which will contribute to the total combustible load of your household and further increase your risk. In most cases, a flameless candle is the best solution to reduce fire risk while enjoying the holidays.
Keep Reason: Common Fire Hazards in Residential Homes >>
According to the U.S. Fire Administration , fireplaces and wood stoves also pose a significant fire risk to households. To minimize your risk, use a fire screen to prevent sparks from escaping and igniting nearby furniture, rugs, or decorations. If you have a fire place, regularly clean it to avoid the buildup of soot. Ideally, you should have your fireplace professionally cleaned every year. Furthermore, after using your fireplace, make sure to put any ashes in a metal container with a lid after they cool down. Never put ashes near combustible material, like in your garbage can. Additionally, never use your oven as a substitute heat source. Instead, opt for UL-listed heating solutions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe operation.
While the holiday season is a time for celebration and warmth, it’s also a period when fire hazards are more abundant. By taking simple precautions and staying aware of common fire risks, you can significantly reduce the chances of a fire occurring in your home. Whether it’s watering your Christmas tree daily to prevent it from drying out, keeping candles away from flammable materials, or ensuring your space heaters and wood stoves are used safely, these steps are all essential for preventing fires.
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