Fire safety is essential, especially during the holiday season when accidents are common. People enjoy themselves and don’t always notice the potential fire hazards around them. Would you have guessed that the holiday season’s largest accident culprit is Christmas lights? Second, Christmas trees are also responsible for many fires during the holiday season. Here’s a look at the hidden dangers of holiday fires and how to prevent a holiday accident.
Hidden Dangers of Holiday Fires and How to Prevent Them
Common Causes: Holiday Season Fires
The holidays are a potential hotbed for fire accidents. This is mainly because people enjoy time with family and friends in busier places. They may overlook the dangers around them. Here are some of the most common causes of holiday season fires.
Candles
Candles are one of the most dangerous things around Christmas, yet they’re also one of the most traditional. Never leave candles unattended or out in the open, or place candles near anything flammable. Hint: most holiday decorations are.
A candle can start a house fire in just a few seconds. Stay safe with these options:
- Keep candles away from flammable items
- Choose LED or battery-operated candles over traditional open-flame candles
- Place candles in a bowl together with water to negate their potential danger
- Don’t leave the house while a candle is burning
Fireplaces
Fireplaces are dangerous when used improperly or when left unattended. Designate someone to mind the fire. Their job shouldn’t just be to keep the fire going and the fire safe.
Embers can shoot from fireplaces, and they’re enough to start fires. More than this, never leave anything flammable near your fireplace. Christmas wrapping and gifts can easily catch fire.
As a safety tip, always have a fire extinguisher and bucket of clean sand near your fireplace.
An improper fire can also remove oxygen from the household; yes, it can be deadly.
Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are a common source of holiday fires. Like candles, you should never leave them unattended. Fires can start if people do not maintain Christmas lights. Lights are great for festivity, but you should remember:
- Don’t plug too many lights into an extension cord
- Repair Christmas lights that appear to have gone dead
- Never use holiday lights that appear to warm up—this indicates a likelihood of an electrical problem
- Always unplug lights when you are not using them
Cooking Fires
Fires are a danger in the average household kitchen. They can become a more significant concern during the holidays because of the cooking methods. Grease fires are a common source of home fires during the holiday season.
Holiday recipes can require long cooking times or high heat combined with fat. Keep items that can catch fire away from the cooking heat source. This includes:
- Oven mitts
- Wooden utensils
- Dishcloths and paper towels
Fires started with fat can be challenging to put out. Different protocols for fires occurring in the kitchen depend on the type of fire you are dealing with. However, the rule is to first deprive the fire of its oxygen source.
For example, someone should immediately close a burning pot of oil while everyone steps away from it. Never move something on fire in a hurry.
Treat fires as an immediate crisis, but never treat fires with panic. They will happen, but they can also be simple to control. Air out the area immediately if you’ve had a fire or smoke event in the kitchen.
Household Fire Extinguishers & Smoke Alarm
A household fire extinguisher is a must-have during the holidays. Fire extinguishers can reduce or minimize most small household fires, depending on their type.
However, fire extinguishers have to be checked and replaced. Like holiday treats, fire extinguishers have an expiration date. They are only effective when they’re correctly maintained.
For other types of fires, keep a bucket of sand. Most fires cannot burn without oxygen.
Smoke detector safety tips:
- Test smoke alarms regularly and before the holiday cooking begins
- Keep spare batteries on hand to ensure you have a working smoke detector
- Install your smoke alarm 10 feet away from the cooking areas
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