Tips for Decoration Fire Safety as the Holidays Approach | SERVPRO® of Van Nuys South

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

Safety Precautions are encouraged while installing and using Holiday lighting

As many of us are getting into the holiday spirit, decorations are going up and our homes are decked out in festive cheer—but have you thought about fire safety as you have begun the decorating process? Unfortunately, many households have their holiday celebrations derailed every year by fires that could have been prevented by decorating with safety in mind.

Fortunately, many of these decoration-related holiday fires are preventable if you know what to look for—and that is why we are here with all the fire safety tips you need this holiday season. Read on to learn more!

Decorate Your Home For the Holidays With Fire Safety in Focus

Safety Considerations for Christmas Trees and Lights

While Christmas trees and decorative lights are a great way to add a warm glow to your home, the addition of so many electrical components can cause hazards, too. Around 25% of Christmas tree fires are due to electrical issues. Experts recommend always checking your light strings for frays or wear, never leaving them plugged in when you are asleep or away from home and being extremely careful to not overload outlets with too many decorations at once. Additionally, if you opt for a real tree, be sure to keep it well-watered throughout the entire season so it does not become an ideal source of kindling.

Safety Considerations for Candles

While candles can provide an electricity free decorating alternative, having open flames in the home can increase your fire risk in other ways. The National Fire Protection Association has found that candles are responsible for a third of all home fires related to decorations, often starting when they are placed too close to other flammable objects. While candles are a great way to be festive, it is important to remember that they are open and unguarded flames in the home. This year, it might be better to consider upgrading to battery powered or LED models to make sure you are not increasing your home’s risk levels.

If your home sustains damage due to a fire, we are here to help you with the recovery process. We will answer your call 24/7 so you can always count on us to be there when you need us. Contact us today to learn more.