Holiday Fire Hazards and How to Protect Your Home: A Guide by SERVPRO

11/30/2023 (Permalink)

Interior fire damage

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it's also a season when the risk of home fires can increase due to various factors. At SERVPRO, we understand the importance of staying vigilant and taking precautions to keep your home and loved ones safe during the holidays. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common fire hazards of the holiday season and provide valuable tips on what to do if your home is damaged in a fire.

Common Holiday Fire Hazards:

1. Decorative Lights: Festive string lights and decorations can pose a fire hazard if they are damaged, frayed, or overloaded with too many connections.

2. Candles: Lit candles, while beautiful, can lead to fires if left unattended or placed too close to flammable materials.

3. Christmas Trees: Dried-out Christmas trees are highly flammable. Ensure your tree remains well-watered throughout the holiday season.

4. Cooking: Holiday feasts and gatherings often involve cooking, which can result in kitchen fires if not monitored carefully.

5. Fireplaces and Chimneys: Traditional fires and roaring fireplaces are part of the holiday ambiance, but they require proper maintenance to prevent chimney fires.

Steps to Protect Your Home:

1. Inspect and Maintain Lights:

   • Examine string lights and decorations for damage or exposed wires.
   • Avoid overloading electrical outlets and use surge protectors.
   • Turn off lights when leaving your home or going to bed.

2. Use Flameless Candles:

   • Consider using battery-operated flameless candles as a safer alternative to traditional candles.
   • If using real candles, keep them in sturdy holders away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

3. Water Your Tree:

   • If you have a real Christmas tree, ensure it stays well-hydrated throughout the season.
   • Keep the tree away from heat sources, such as radiators and fireplaces.

4. Safe Cooking Practices:

   • Stay attentive when cooking and avoid leaving the kitchen unattended.
   • Keep flammable objects, like dish towels and oven mitts, away from the stovetop.

5. Chimney Inspection:

   • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional.
   • Ensure your fireplace screen is intact and working correctly.

What to Do if Your Home is Damaged in a Fire:

1. Safety First:

   • Prioritize the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Evacuate the premises if necessary.
   • Call 911 to report the fire and request assistance.

2. Avoid Re-Entry:

   • Do not re-enter your home until it has been deemed safe by the authorities and fire officials.

3. Contact SERVPRO:

   • Once the fire is extinguished, contact SERVPRO for professional fire damage restoration services. We'll assess the damage and create a restoration plan.

4. Insurance Claims:

   • Contact your insurance company to report the fire and initiate the claims process.
   • Document the damage with photographs and a detailed inventory of your belongings.

5. Stay Informed:

   • Stay in close communication with your SERVPRO team and follow their recommendations for the restoration process.

Conclusion:

While the holiday season is a time of celebration, it's crucial to remain vigilant and take precautions to prevent home fires. By staying aware of common fire hazards and following safety guidelines, you can protect your home and loved ones during this festive time. In the unfortunate event of a fire, remember that SERVPRO is here to assist you in restoring your home to its preloss condition. Our experienced technicians are ready to support you through the process and help you get back on your feet. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.